What is notable about gunpowder residue on the skin?

Gunpowder residue on the skin is notable because it can easily be wiped from the skin, which emphasizes the transient nature of the residue following the discharge of a firearm. This characteristic means that the presence of gunpowder on the skin is not a permanent marker and poses challenges in forensic investigations. If not properly collected or documented soon after a shooting event, any evidence of gunpowder residue can be lost through washing or brushing off the skin.

Understanding this aspect is crucial for investigators, as it informs protocols for evidence collection and the timing of sample analysis. The potential for residue to be inadvertently removed by simple actions highlights the importance of quick and careful handling of cases involving firearms to preserve all possible forensic evidence.