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DNA Evidence From One's Breath Or Breathing Residue

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Anonymous

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According to this police are now able to obtain forensic DNA evidence from breath. The article states:

'In the centenary year of the first prosecution using fingerprint evidence, police are being given advice on how to preserve crime scenes for a new DNA technique, the Independent reported.

Droplets of moisture coming from the mouth during speech can be left on masks, telephones or other surfaces.

Bigger traces would be left if the criminal had coughed.

The Central Police Training and Developmental Authority (Centrex) is teaching the technique to officers to avoid potentially valuable evidence being destroyed, the paper said. '

Convicted by the very air they breathe, eh? How long before we start to see criminals wearing gas masks as well as gloves?
 
Seems like the potential for cross contamination would be very high.

I wonder what effects smoking, alcohol, mouthwash, etc. would have on the results.
 
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