Toxicology
Toxicology
science of poisons: the scientific study of
poisons, especially their effects on the body and
their antidotes.
Poison
anything other than physical agencies which is
capable of destroying life, either by chemical
action on the tissues of the living body, or by
physiological action by absorption into the living
system.
Importance of Toxicology
Toxicology is used to verify if a case being
examined is poisoning(suicide) or if there is a
foul play in the crime scene, which may have
caused the death of the victim. Toxicology is an
important tool in conducting criminal
investigations that rely heavily on the analysis of
toxins and toxic substances.
History of Toxicology
16th Century
- Paracelsus stated that “all substance is poison”
1786
- Plenck states that “poison must be identified in
the body”
1821
- Mathieu Orfila first classified the poisons
1836
- arsenic was first extracted in a cadaver
1842
- Reinsch test was designed
1850
- method of extraction of alkaloid was
introduced. STAS-OTTO Method
1910
- Dr. Alexander Gettler, a chemistry professor,
started the field of forensic toxicology in the US
Site of Action of Poison
Local Action – The poison may act on the skin or on the mucous
membrane or on any part of body where it is applied. Example:
Sulfuric acid
Remote Action – The poison may act remotely in any of the
following ways:
- By production of shock. Ex. Poisoning by strong acid.
- By absorption into the blood and being carried to the organs they
effect. Ex. Morphine is absorbed by the blood and carried to the
brain and depresses it.
- By transmission through the nerves of local parts affected going
to the nerve centers and then reflected to the organs on which they
act.
Site of Remote Actions of the
Different Poisons are:
a. Brain
b. Cord
c. Peripheral Nerves
d. Alimentary tract
e. Kidneys
f. Salivary glands
g. Liver
h. Mucous membrane
i. Heart
j. Blood vessels
k. Blood
l. Both local and remote
Method of Administration
Orally – Except irritants and corrosives, poisons must be digested or
absorbed in the gastric or intestinal mucosa before producing effect.
Hypodermically – Poison reaches the blood stream without passing
the digestive organs. This method is only available for such
substances that are soluble in the lymph and tissue juices.
Intramuscularly – Absorption is faster than in the hypodermic
method.
Endodermically – The poison may be rubbed into and absorbed
through the skin.
By Rectum, Vagina or Bladder – Absorption through the rectum is
about twice as much as absorption through the mouth.
By the Lungs – Poison through this route may be made of a
substance which can be transformed to gaseous state.
Treatment of Patient Suffering
from Acute Poisoning
1. Evacuation of the stomach
2. Neutralization of the Poison that remains in the
Stomach
3. Application of Physiological Antidotes
4. Keep the Patient Alive by General measures
5. Eliminating the Poison
› SUDORIFICS - causing production of sweat: causing the production of
sweat.
› DIURETICS - causing increased urine output: causing increased flow of
urine.
Commonly Used Types of Poison
Arsenic
Historically, arsenic is a favorite killer poison. In the UK, arsenic is
available to be purchased at a pharmacy to facilitate rat and pest
management. When used as a poison, arsenic symptoms include
vomiting, diarrhea with blood, and severe stomach discomfort.
Cyanide
Cyanide kills by preventing red blood cells from absorbing the
sufficient amount of oxygen it needs. This resulted in a process
known as "internal shortness of breath“. During World War II,
cyanide capsules were allegedly used by a plan of World War II
as an easy escape option to avoid persecution.
Types of Poisons
1. Corrosives Poisons
2. True Poisons
3. Cumulative Poisons
Types of Poisoning
Acute poisoning – which refers to exposure to
poison and produces immediate or instant death.
Chronic poisoning – which refers to the gradual
exposure to the poisons and does not
immediately result to death.
Classifications of Poisons
Based on Origin
Based on Chemical Properties
Based on Physical Form
Based on Physiological Effects
Based on Effects on the body
Based on Origin
a. Vegetable
b. Animal
c. Minerals
d. Microbial
e. Synthetic
Based on Chemical Properties
a. Metallic
b. Non-metallic
c. Volatile
d. Anions
e. Miscellaneous
Based on Physical Form
a. Solid
b. Liquid
c. Gas
d. Vapors
e. Aerosols
Based on Physiological Effects
a. Irritants
b. Corrosives
c. Neurotics
Based on Effects on the body
a. Local destruction on the skin
b. Blood poison
c. Cardiac poison
The Forensic Chemistry Division of the NBI made the following classification
based on the Chemical Standpoint: Gaseous Poisons (Poisons Present in
the Gaseous State):
Carbon dioxide
Carbon monoxide
Hydrocarbons
Hydrogen sulfide
Sulfur dioxide
Oxides of nitrogen (Nitrous oxide, Nitric acid and Nitrogen
dioxide)
War gases
Kinds of Antidotes
Mechanical Antidote - removes the poisons inside
the body without changing it. Examples are
stomach tubes and ligatures.
Chemical Antidote - makes the poison harmless.
Physiological Antidote – an agent that counter the
reactions made by the poisons.
