Controversy about sprays erasing all traces of DNA

Appearing anywhere, you are at risk of leaving your own DNA traces, from fingerprints, skin, and hair to saliva and cigarette butts. Concerned that these DNA traces could be collected and stored unexpectedly, a US company created a new line of sprays that would help 'stealth' them.

The new line of Invisible (invisibility) sprays is expected to be released to the BioGenFutures manufacturer in limited quantities in June. BioGenFutures is a genetic security company founded by painter Heather Dewey-Hagborg, based in Brooklyn, USA.

Last year, Mrs. Dewey-Hagborg held an exhibition titled Stranger Visions to showcase real 3D portrait sculptures of strangers, using the DNA she had collected in public. .

Invisibility sprays can remove or fabricate traces left on a person's surface.(Photo: REX)

According to BioGenFutures' website, Invisible sprays are capable of removing or disrupting every trace of a person on door knobs, keyboards, car seats or in restaurants or public places.

The first product of the invisibility spray line, called 'Erase' , is advertised as an 'anti-DNA cleanser' , which works similarly to antiseptic sprays. Meanwhile, the product called 'Replace' is a fake spray, which adds a mixture of genetic material to the DNA sample to hide the details of the original trace.

All means that, when using the sprays, customers can wipe everything away or leave a trace of alternative DNA to protect their privacy.

However, some experts expressed concern about the existence of new sprays. According to them, in theory, criminals can take advantage of the product to create a project without leaving a trace, making it difficult for the investigating agency.

Dr. John Bond from the University of Leicester (UK) added that the removal of DNA is easy thanks to thorough cleaning, such as using a washing powder. Mr. Bond said, the manufacturer may attempt to profit from the hype surrounding DNA analysis and the unscrupulous fear of people's traces will be used for illegal investigation purposes.