Potential uses of lead isotope ratios in gunshot cases.
The determination of lead isotope ratios in 14 bullets, and in material taken from 9 hand swabs and 5 primers shows that there are potentially valuable forensic uses for such a method. While a more complete study is required, this method could possibly be used to prove (or disprove) relatiohships between bullets and manufacturers, weapons, or persons firing the weapons. Sample size requirements (1 microgram or less) are such that damaged or fragmented bullets, or minute particles therefrom, may be used for the required analyses. An experiment showed that gunshot residue from a test-fired weapon was detectable even after washing the hands.
D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D007554:Isotopes / Q000032:analysis; D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis*; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000145:classification
D007554:Isotopes; D007854:Lead