Module 1 - Forensic Toxicology

General Description of Poisons

Poisons are chemical compounds that can cause injury, illness, or death when sufficient quantities are absorbed. They cause damage by inhibiting normal chemical reactions occurring in the body. Poisons can cause harm through a single massive dose or after high levels accumulate over time. Poisons are most commonly absorbed through ingestion (eating) and inhalation (breathing).

Prompt treatment combats poisons. Treatments vary according to the specific type of poison absorbed. If a poisoning is not treated swiftly, permanent damage or death is possible. Organ damage caused by poisons is often repairable; however, when a poison targets the brain or spinal cord, damage is often permanent. Poisons that are ingested in large doses are usually identifiable by the distinct symptoms that each causes. Poisons that are administered more gradually or in smaller doses can be a problem to identify because their symptoms are initially very similar to a wide variety of diseases.

Toxins are poisonous compounds produced in living organisms (such as substances released by certain mushroom species or released by bacteria that cause tetanus or botulism). Even at very low concentrations, toxins can typically affect humans and often are detectable using only sensitive analytical instruments. Some toxins have antidotes and others do not. Animal toxins such as those from snakes, insects, or stingrays, are known as venoms and cause their effect through injection (sting or bite).

Examples of Venomous Animals: Snake and Stingray