What is a potential false positive for the M9 chemical agent detector paper?

The M9 chemical agent detector paper is designed to indicate the presence of specific chemical agents by changing color. However, it can sometimes produce false positives when exposed to certain substances that may not actually be chemical agents.

Gasoline, while it is not a chemical agent, contains hydrocarbons and other components that can interact with the detector paper. The complex chemical makeup of gasoline can lead to a color change on the M9 paper, mimicking the response that would be elicited by an actual chemical agent. This means that the presence of gasoline could potentially be misinterpreted as a chemical threat, illustrating how the M9 paper can yield a false positive reading.

In contrast, water, bleach, and vinegar typically do not cause a false positive with the M9 detector. Water generally does not react with the paper in a way that could be misinterpreted as a chemical agent. Bleach and vinegar, while they are chemical substances, do not have the same interaction with the detector paper as gasoline does, making them less likely to trigger a false positive reading. Understanding the specific reactions that the M9 paper has with various substances is crucial for accurate interpretation of its results during reconnaissance operations.