Kể từ khi sớm nhất là cuối những năm 1800, các nhà khoa học đã sử dụng kính hiển vi pháp lý trong việc phát hiện tội phạm. Gõ phấn hoa đã được sử dụng để xác định các lĩnh vực nguồn cho các lô hàng bất hợp pháp cần sa. Tội phạm cảnh các mẫu đất đã được sử dụng để xác định vị trí nguồn gốc của vật liệu. Sợi quần áo bắt nguồn từ loại sợi và thuốc nhuộm đặc biệt. Tóc có thể được phân biệt như loài (ví dụ như, con người, chó, mèo) và. | Section IV DUST Chapter 14 FORENSICS OF DUST Since as early as the late 1800s scientists have used forensic microscopy in crime detection. Pollen typing has been used to determine the source areas for illegal shipments of marijuana. Crime scene soil samples have been used to locate the source of the material. Clothing fibers are traced by fiber type and special dyes. Hair can be differentiated as to species . human dog or cat and distinct color texture and thickness. Dust found at a crime scene sometimes contains evidence as to an association with certain industrial activities. Only recently has forensic microscopy been recognized as a tool in indoor air quality investigations. Without forensic microscopy identification of unknowns was limited. The investigator would develop a theory as to the dust component that caused health problems and test the theory. Not only was this time consuming and expensive but the actual causative agent was often overlooked. If building occupants complained of allergy symptoms an investigator automatically assumed the problem was molds. Even when sample results did not support the theory the investigator may persist and state that the sampling methods are faulty. This scenario often culminates in an extensive search for the ubiquitous mold and in many cases destruction of walls and flooring in the frantic search for the hidden demon. If one looks hard enough behind enough walls and enclosures an investigator will eventually locate molds. With forensic microscopy the allergenic dust in an occupied space can be characterized. Not only can pollen mold spores algae and insect parts be identified but an experienced microscopist can characterize rodent bat cat and dog hairs as well. The microscopist can also quantify the population density as normal or excessive. For instance the microscopist may identify excessive amounts of rodent hairs. When pressed for more information the microscopist may come back with More than normally observed in
