Primer residue on hands is evidence of what activity?

Primer residue on hands is evidence of what activity?

• A. Past exposure to solvents on hands.
• B. Estimated age of the person.
• C. Recent firing of a weapon.
• D. Presence of blood type markers on hands.

Answer: (C)

Primer residue on the hands points to recent firing of a weapon. When a gun is fired, the primer ignition blasts tiny inorganic particles—from compounds like lead, barium, and antimony—into the surrounding area. Some of these primer particles can cling to the shooter’s hands or any surfaces they touch. Detecting those residues on the hands suggests the person has recently discharged a firearm or handled a recently fired weapon. This finding is time-sensitive: residues fade with time and with washing or environmental exposure, and they can also be transferred by incidental contact, so it’s most informative when combined with other evidence. This clue doesn’t relate to past solvent exposure, age estimation, or blood type markers, which are unrelated to primer residues.

Primer residue on the hands points to recent firing of a weapon. When a gun is fired, the primer ignition blasts tiny inorganic particles—from compounds like lead, barium, and antimony—into the surrounding area. Some of these primer particles can cling to the shooter’s hands or any surfaces they touch. Detecting those residues on the hands suggests the person has recently discharged a firearm or handled a recently fired weapon. This finding is time-sensitive: residues fade with time and with washing or environmental exposure, and they can also be transferred by incidental contact, so it’s most informative when combined with other evidence. This clue doesn’t relate to past solvent exposure, age estimation, or blood type markers, which are unrelated to primer residues.