Chapter 16
Testing for Drugs and Poisons: The Toxicology Lab
IN THIS CHAPTER
Looking into the field of toxicology
Analyzing toxins
Applying test results to forensic problems
Understanding common drugs and poisons
During the millennia since Socrates drank the hemlock that killed him, lethal use of poisons has waned a bit, in part because scientists now know how to trace poisons to those who use them for nefarious purposes. From taking arsenic to overdosing on heroin to drinking too much water (I kid you not), poisoning deaths nowadays are the realm of the toxicologist, who has become a critical component of today’s crime labs. Drugs and poisons of all types often are involved in harmful accidents and accidental, suicidal, and homicidal deaths, and they may even be contributory factors in many natural deaths.
Understanding Poisons
Have you ever taken a poison? I bet your answer is, “Of course not!” But you’re wrong. You take poisons every day. In fact, you have to take poisons to live. Don’t believe me? Try not to drink any water. Try not to breathe.
You see, anything can be a poison. ...
Get Forensics For Dummies, 2nd Edition now with the O’Reilly learning platform.
O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.
