Here is a link to a spreadsheet I created in which I identify the most common applications of the most common particles found on the tie. I grouped the applications to try and make connections, and I also attempted to guess at the most likely origins of the particles.
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LoginAlso, here are the conclusions that I drew from the data:
As would be obvious, many of the metals are used in metal manufacturing and metallurgy. However, more specifically, several of the metals (stainless steel, zirconium, titanium, cerium, and tungsten) are all either used to build high temperature electric arc furnaces/crucibles or are products of them. Also, several of them are products of carbon arc welding or vacuum arc welding such as cerium, cerium lanthanum, strontium sulfide, and tungsten This would suggest someone working in proximity to metals heated to extremely high temperature either through a furnace/crucible or welding. It is likely both. The owner of the tie almost certainly worked in an environment in which metal was heated, melted, fabricated, brazed, welded, and/or casted. A foundry or a die casting facility would be likely - particularly one specializing in special metals such as titanium.
However, one must guard against the “playing the result” fallacy. That is, just because someone has egg yolk and egg shells on their shirt doesn’t mean they work at a chicken farm. It could mean they simply like eggs and are messy eaters. Just because metals are found on the tie doesn’t mean they were acquired in a single environment with lots of metals. One must look at the metals with the fewest practical applications. Of particular interest is vanadium which has only three applications: ferrovandium which is a steel additive, vanadium foil which is used to galvanize titanium and stainless steel, and as a component of high speed steel drills. In fact, there are several particles related to high speed steel drills such as tungsten, tungsten cobalt, and magnesium. The presence of this on the tie would constrict the environments in which it could be acquired. However, there are several clues that suggest this, and the above conclusion is not new. Several others have arrived at similar conclusions.
Also obvious is that the owner of the tie was a heavy smoker. Several of the particles on the tie are related to either safety match heads or cigarette lighter flints particularly cerium, cerium lanthanum, and phosphorus. Relatedly, ferrocerium - an iron-cerium alloy - is also a component in strikers used by welders. Cadmium is also a common component of cigarette ash.
The above conclusions are not novel and are not particularly revealing. What is interesting is the number of particles related to medical treatments - particularly cancer. Barium sulfate has numerous applications with one being as a contrasting agent for imaging of the esophagus, stomach and intestines. This is most often used to diagnose cancer. More specifically, iron cobalt only has two main applications: magnetic data storage and machines used in radiation treatment for cancer. To underscore this, bismuth chloride and calcium phosphate is also used as drug delivery for chemotherapy drugs. Furthermore, the powder form of the compound calcium phosphate (while being used in toothpaste which would be a simple explanation) is also used for people with calcium deficiency such as those with celiac disease, Crohn's disease, kidney issues, alcohol abuse, those who take too many antacids, chronic respiratory disease, or parathyroid issues. If Cooper was having stomach issues related to cancer, he may have tried to treat it with antacids. The presence of salts of aluminum, calcium, magnesium, or sodium would also indicate the heavy use of antacid tablets. Overuse of antacids can lead to calcium deficiency which is then treated with calcium phosphate. Even more odd is that calcium phosphate is also used as a countermeasure to strontium exposure. Strontium sulfide is created when celestine, a mineral, is heated at over 1000 degrees. This would align with the previously mentioned super-heating of metals. Tangentially, strontium sulfide is a depilatory which is used to chemically remove unwanted body hair. Cadmium, calcium, and iron, among other many applications, are used to treat or diagnose cancer in one form or another.
One of the most perplexing finds on the tie was that of lead phosphate. It has been learned that microscopic lead phosphate particles become present in lead water pipes that come in contact with phosphorus in the water. Considering that most water pipes in homes and businesses at that time were made of lead and that phosphorus contamination was prevalent, it is certainly possible and perhaps probable that the owner of the tie acquired the lead phosphate particles from using a water faucet. A splash or spray from washing hands or brushing teeth would be enough to put the lead phosphate particles on the tie.
So, what story do the particles tell us about the owner of the tie? First, he likely worked in an environment in which metals were being melted at high temperatures in electric arc furnaces or similar crucibles. This same work environment also likely included metal fabrication, brazing, welding, and casting - particularly commercially pure titanium. He was likely not a welder himself nor did he directly operate these furnaces or torches, but he was in close enough proximity to accumulate these particles. This is underscored by his wearing of a tie in the workplace. Perhaps he worked as a foreman, manager, or in a quality control position. He closely supervised and interacted with the workers, but did not partake in the labor. Secondly, the owner of the tie was a very heavy smoker. He likely lit his cigarettes with both matches and a lighter. Thirdly, he suffered from stomach issues and attempted to alleviate these symptoms through the use (and perhaps overuse) of antacids. Eventually, he would have gone to the doctor who would have done a barium contrast which would have led to a diagnosis of cancer. The owner of the tie would have attempted, at least for a short time, to treat this cancer seemingly without success. It is also possible that his stomach issues were not related to cancer, but did contribute to calcium deficiency which he would in turn try to treat with calcium supplements. He would also have had a modicum of vanity in using a depilatory to rid himself of unsightly hair.
Perhaps, his industrial work environment and exposure to carcinogenic chemicals contributed to his cancer diagnosis. Either way, it is possible that he attempted the hijacking in the late stages of his cancer, as a “Walter White” style attempt to make money by undertaking a risky criminal venture. This would explain his “calm and cool demeanor” - he literally had nothing to lose. One thing that calls this “cancer theory” into question is the fact that Cooper had a full head of his own hair. One would surmise that someone undertaking late state cancer treatments would be bald, and also “look sick”. Based on eyewitness testimony, this does not appear to the case.
Clearly, an examination of the particles can lead one down many paths. The conclusions here are certainly not definitive, and are not intended to be. They are some of the few conclusions that one could draw. It is unlikely that we will ever find one perfect explanation. There are simply too many possibilities and variables involved. However, I would encourage someone to begin with the most rare particles and the ones with the fewest known applications. That would immediately constrict the avenues of inquiry and allow one to build a theory from the “inside out”.
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