Discrimination of Bullet Types Using Analysis of Lead Isotopes Deposited in Gunshot Entry Wounds

Abstract

In order to discriminate bullet types used in firearms, of which the victims died, the authors investigated lead isotope ratios in gunshot entry wounds from nine lead (unjacketed) bullets, 15 semi-jacketed bullets, and 14 full-jacketed bullets by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. It was found that the lead isotope ratio of 207/206 in gunshot entry wounds was the highest with lead bullets, and it decreased in order from full-jacketed to semi-jacketed bullets. Lead isotope ratios of 208/206 or 208/207 to 207/206 at the gunshot entry wound were able to discriminate semi-jacketed bullets from lead and full-jacketed ones, but it was difficult to discriminate between lead and full-jacketed bullets. However, a combination of element and lead isotope ratio analyses in gunshot entry wounds enabled discrimination between lead, semi-jacketed, and full-jacketed bullets.

The Survival of Gunshot Residues in Cremated Bone: An Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry Study

“…At the moment, SEM is currently considered as the method of choice in the detection of GSR because it combines a morphological examination with elemental analysis , to distinguish between GSR and contaminating residues . ICP‐OES, however, adds a less subjective quantification of residues, as already demonstrated by Wunnapuk et al and Udey et al and does not require destruction or alteration of the bone. In agreement with our previous SEM‐EDX studies , spectroscopy globally shows the consistent decrease in concentration of the residues when the sample is charred—residues, however, visibly survive, and are detectable with this method.…”

Cytogenetic Effects of Exposure to Formalin Vapours in Buccal and Nasal Mucosae: A Study in the Students of Anatomy and Embalmers

“…This finding is consistent with previous studies on epithelial cells (nasal and buccal) of Formaldehyde exposed workers. [8][9][10][11] Occupational exposure to Formaldehyde evaluated in the Anatomy laboratories shows that workers are exposed to high levels of Formaldehyde. In this study, findings are very close to Holland et al (2008 review) 12 in which buccal micronuclei/1000 cells were 0.33.…”

Effect of bone fracture(s) on blood lead levels from retained lead pellets in craniomaxillofacial region

“…Missile-related blood lead elevations and toxicity are well documented in the literature. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Lead toxicity following occupational and environmental exposures has reduced drastically following the regulation of the use of lead in most industries and the ban on the use of lead gasoline in some countries, respectively. 8 While much attention has been given to the reduction in occupational and environmental lead exposures, there seem to be little or no attention given to the reduction in lead toxicity following missile retention after injury.…”

“…10 It has been suggested that conditions that increase metabolic stress, such as surgery, fracture, hyperparathyroidism, infection, illicit drug abuse, alcohol abuse, pregnancy, and lactation, increase the mobilization of lead from the extraarticular missiles. 2,3,11 Other risk factors associated with elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) that have been documented in the literature are the number of retained pellets, duration of missiles retention, and the number of fractures. 12 Several case reports 1,2 and cohorts studies 3,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12] have demonstrated a relationship between missiles and blood lead elevation, and these are well documented in the literature.…”