On the importance of training aids and the definition of an explosive odor signature: Commentary on Kranz et al

The recent article by Kranz et al. (Forensic Science International, 2014, vol. 236, 157–163) presents a misleading interpretation on the use of headspace volatiles from plasticized explosives, specifically 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (2E1H), as a routine training aid material for explosive detection canines. It is the intent of this commentary to highlight several limitations concerning the authors’ results related to the setup and execution of the canine field trial used in the study from which the authors’ conclusions are based.