Forensic Chemistry

Toxicology

Toxicology is the scientific study of poisons and how they affect living tissue. Toxicologists get involved in a wide range of cases, ranging from suspicious deaths where poisoning is suspected to the alleged use of drugs to facilitate rape and cases where it is suspected someone might have been under the influence of a drug when they committed a crime.

A forensic toxicologist must consider the context of an investigation, in particular any physical symptoms recorded, and any evidence collected at a crime scene that may narrow the search, such as pill bottles, powders, trace residue, and any available chemicals. Many toxic substances do not produce characteristic lesions, so if a toxic reaction is suspected, visual investigation may not suffice.

Provided with this information and samples with which to work, the forensic toxicologist must determine which toxic substances are present, in what concentrations, and the probable effect of those chemicals on the person.