Skin Permeation of Organic Gunshot Residue: Implications for Sampling and Analysis

Jordan Wade Moran · Suzanne Bell

45 citations0/0 files storedAnalytical Chemistry

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Forensic Fingerprint Detection Methods Analytical chemistry methods development Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis

Abstract

Traditional gunshot residue (GSR) analysis is based on detection of particulates formed from metals found in the primer. Recent concerns regarding the interpretation of GSR evidence has led to interest in alternatives such as the organic constituents (organic gunshot residue, OGSR) found in propellants. Previous work has shown OGSR to be detectable on hands for several hours after a firing event, and given the lipophilic nature of these compounds, it was expected that losses due to secondary transfer (an issue with GSR particulates) would be negligible. However, other loss mechanisms have been identified, specifically skin permeation and evaporation. This paper describes experimental and modeling studies used to elucidate characteristics of skin permeation of 5 compounds present in OGSR. Pharmaceutical methods were adapted to characterize skin permeation using a skin surrogate and Franz diffusion cells. The amount of compounds deposited on skin after an authentic firing event (1 and 2 shots) was experimentally determined and applied for the permeation experiments. A fully validated selected ion monitoring GC/MS method was developed for quantitative analysis, and easily accessible online tools were employed for modeling. Results showed that OGSR residues should be detectable on skin for many hours after a firing event of as few as one or two shots, with detection capability being a function of the efficacy of sampling and sample preparation and the instrumental method employed. The permeation rates of the OGSR compounds were sufficiently different to suggest the potential to develop methods to approximate time-since-deposition.

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References

2010Analysis of Gunshot Residue and Associated Materials—A Review 2003Recent developments in methods of chemical analysis in investigations of firearm-related events 2007Development of a Quantitative LC‐MS/MS Method for the Analysis of Common Propellant Powder Stabilizers in Gunshot Residue*2013The expression and interpretation of uncertain forensic science evidence: Verbal equivalence, evidence strength, and the weak evidence effect.2012Gunshot residue analysis and its evidential values: a review 2012Preliminary evaluation of the persistence of organic gunshot residue 2007Gunshot Residue in Chicago Police Vehicles and Facilities: An Empirical Study 2009Analysis of organic volatile residues in 9mm spent cartridges

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