Download File - Mrs Hawks Forensics

Drug Identification and
Toxicology
Chapter 9
1
2
Forensic toxicology- scientist that
aid medical or legal investigation of
death, poisoning, and drug use.
(a) determines the symptoms of
exposure to a specific toxin and how to
identify them.
(b) determines the toxic or lethal dose
of the substance.
3
People can be exposed to toxic
substances:
 intentionally—by treating
illness or relieving pain
 accidentally—by harmful
combinations or overdoses
 deliberately—by harming or
killing others or by committing
suicide
4
Poison- some facts
•
Less than ½ of 1% of all homicides
results from poisoning.
•
Accidental drug overdoses are more
common.
•
More than 50% of the federal prison
population and about 20% of the
population in state prisons consist of
drug offenders.
5
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
6
Hallucinogens
• derived from plants
• affect the user’s
▫ perceptions
LSD
▫ thinking
▫ self-awareness
▫ emotions
ECSTACY
• Affects of an overdose
▫ an increased heart rate,
▫ often increased blood pressure,
▫ sometimes panic attacks, anxiety, or
psychosis.
7
Narcotics
Narcotics reduce pain and can be very habit forming.
8
Stimulants
Stimulants increase feelings of
energy and alertness while
suppressing appetite.
• As the drug wears off, however,
depression often results.
• Affects of an overdose
•
▫
▫
▫
▫
•
high blood pressure
Agitation
confusion,
seizures.
tend to be highly addictive.
COCAIN
CRACK
9
Anabolic Steroids
These drugs are produced in a laboratory
and have a chemical structure similar to
testosterone.
• Anabolic steroids promote cell and tissue
growth increasing bone mass and body
muscle.
• popular with weightlifters, bodybuilders, and
other athletes.
• What are some of the negative side effects
that are possible?
•
10
Depressants
Depressants
▫ act on the central nervous system
▫ increase the activity of a
neurotransmitter called GABA.
• Increased GABA production results in
drowsiness and slowed brain activity.
• relieve anxiety and produce sleep
• Mixing depressants with alcohol and other
drugs increases their effects and health
risks, possibly leading to coma and death.
•
11
Alcohols
• In what way are alcohols toxic?
▫ Methanol is not directly toxic but when it is
converted into formaldehyde (in the liver) it is.
• How is grain alcohol produced?
▫ Fermentation of sugar in fruits, grains, and
vegetables.
• What are the classic symptoms of a hangover?
▫ Headache, nausea, weakness
12
Forensic Science:
Fundamentals &
Investigations, Chapter 9
Alcohol
• What is the effect of
alcohol on the central
nervous system?
▫ Depression
• What can chronic abuse
of alcohol cause?
▫ Liver damage and
dangerous behavior.
13
Alcohol
Forensic Science:
Fundamentals &
Investigations, Chapter 9
14
Bacterial Toxins
Tetanus
• Lockjaw, as it is sometimes called, is
produced by the Clostridium tetani
bacteria.
• Its poison can cause violent muscle
spasms.
15
Forensic Science:
Fundamentals &
Investigations, Chapter 9
Bacterial Toxins
Botulism
• Produced by the bacteria Clostridium
botulinum, botulism paralyzes muscles.
• It causes irreversible damage to nerve
endings.
• Very small amounts are extremely deadly.
• Botulism is the most poisonous biological
substance.
16
Pesticides and Heavy Metals
Pesticides mostly are used to protect plants or food
crops. Metal compounds are very poisonous.
17
Pesticides and Heavy Metals
Metal compounds can damage many organs in the body.
18
Bioterrorism Agents
Ricin
• is a poisonous protein in the castor bean.
• is lethal in extremely small amounts.
• can enter the body in various ways:
▫ inhaled as a mist or a powder.
▫ ingested as food or drink.
▫ injected into the body.
• can cause death within a few hours.
19
Bioterrorism Agents
Anthrax
• is caused by the bacteria Bacillus
anthracis, which forms spores.
• can be spread to humans from infected
animals.
20
Anthrax……
• can enter the human body through:
▫ inhalation; causing breathing problems
that usually result in death.
▫ ingestion; becoming fatal in 25% to 60%
of cases.
▫ absorption via the skin; leading to death
in about 20% of untreated cases.
21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summary
1) What is the job of a forensic toxicologist?
Forensic toxicologist seeks to identify poisons
or drugs in criminals and victims.
2) What are the 5 main groups of controlled
substances?
Hallucinogens, narcotics, stimulants,
depressants and anabolic steroids
3) Are all poisons manmade?
Poisons can be produced by living organisms.
Some are manmade some occur naturally