Overview of Forensic Toxicology

Shivi Forensics
Overview of Forensic Toxicology 

Presented by: Shivi Forensics
Volunteer; Shivi Forensics

Forensic Toxicology
1. Definition:
● Study of poisons and their harmful effects on living organisms.
● Deals with detection, identification, and treatment of toxic substances.

2. Branches of Toxicology:
● Forensic toxicology – Poisons in crime and legal investigation.
● Clinical toxicology – Treatment of poisoned patients.
● Environmental toxicology – Effects of pollutants on environment
● Analytical toxicology – Laboratory analysis of toxins.
● Industrial toxicology – Chemicals and hazards in workplaces.

3. Types of Poisons
● Corrosive poisons (acids, alkalis)
● Irritant poisons (arsenic, phosphorus)
● Cardiac poisons (digitalis)
● Asphyxiants (carbon monoxide, H₂S)

4. Routes of Entry
● Ingestion (oral)
● Inhalation (respiratory)
● Injection (IV/IM)
● Absorption through skin

5. Factors Influencing Toxicity
● Dose and duration
● Age and body weight
● Route of exposure
● Health conditions
● Genetic factors

6. General Symptoms of Poisoning
● Vomiting and nausea
● Abdominal pain
● Breathing difficulty
● Convulsions
● Altered consciousness
● Abnormal pupil size

7. Common Forensic Poisons
● Cyanide
● Arsenic
● Organophosphate pesticides
● Opium and morphine
● Alcohol
● Carbon monoxide

8. Management of Poisoning
● Remove patient from toxic source
● Gastric lavage (when indicated)
● Activated charcoal
● Specific antidotes
● Maintain airway, breathing, circulation
● Supportive care

9. Important Antidotes
● Atropine → Organophosphate poisoning
● Naloxone → Opioid overdose
● N-acetylcysteine → Paracetamol toxicity
● BAL/Dimercaprol → Heavy metals (arsenic, mercury)

10. Forensic Importance
● Determines cause and manner of death
● Detects poisoning in homicide/suicide
● Helps in crime scene interpretation
● Provides scientific evidence in court

Check our Videos on Toxicology 
1. Irritants of Plants Origin https://youtu.be/feDQ4eW8LY0
2. Adulteration in Food https://youtu.be/ljvMt4FHsvU
3. Poisons and Toxicants https://youtu.be/Rezpk2blaw8
4. Nature's Beauty Hidden Poisons https://youtu.be/ANXJgwcWsT4
5. Detecting poisons in criminal investigations https://youtu.be/r8se7oWISt4

FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA FOR MORE UPDATES 

Join the Whatsapp Channel for more updates

𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐢 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐬 
Its time to study and spread knowledge

Contact us
+918576803105
shiviforensics@gmail.com


0 Comments