Brief introduction to Toxicology and Poison | Forensic Toxicology | Budding Forensic Expert

 What is Toxicology?

Toxicology is the science dealing with properties, actions, toxicity, fatal dose, detection and estimation of, interpretation of the results of toxicological analysis and treatment of poisons.

What is Forensic Toxicology?

Forensic toxicology deals with the medical and legal aspects of the harmful effects of chemicals on human beings.

What is Poison?

Poison can be described as any substance which when introduced into or absorbed by a living organism, destroys life or injures health.

A poison is any substance that is harmful to the body. 

Any substance can act as a poison if taken in excess amounts.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF POISON:

1. Corrosives: 

1. Strong acids

2. Strong alkalis

2. Irritants: 

1. Agricultural.

2.  Inorganic: 

1. Non-metallic: Phosphorus, iodine, chlorine, bromine, carbon tetrachloride. 

2. Metallic: Arsenic, antimony, copper, lead, mercury, silver, zinc. 

3. Mechanical : Powdered glass, diamond dust, hair, etc. 

3. Organic: 

1. Vegetable: Abrus precatorius, castor, croton, calotropis, aloes. 

2. Animal: Snake and insect venom, cantharides, ptomaine.

3. Systemic: 

1. Cerebral: 

1. CNS depressants: Alcohols, general anaesthetics, opioid analgesics, hypnotics, sedatives. 

2. CNS stimulants: Cyclic antidepressants, amphetamine, caffeine, methylphenidate.

3. Deliriant: Datura, belladonna, cannabis, cocaine, etc. 

2. Spinal: Nux vomica, gelsemium. 

3. Peripheral: Conium, curare. 

4. Cardiovascular: Aconite, quinine, oleander, tobacco, cyanide.

5.  Asphyxiants: CO, C02 ,hydrogen sulphide.

4. Miscellaneous: Food poisoning, botulism.

Poisons may also be classified according to their morbid anatomic manifestations.

Law Related to Toxicology/Poison:

(1) THE DRUGS AND COSMETICS ACT, 1940

(2) THE DRUGS AND COSMETIC RULES 1945

(3) THE PHARMACY ACT, 1948

(4) THE DRUG CONTROL ACT, 1950

(5) THE DRUGS AND MAGIC REMEDIES (Objectionable Advertisement) Act, 1954

(6) NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES (NDPS) ACT, 1985

(7) PREVENTION OF ILLICIT TRAFFIC IN NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES ACT, 1988

Medicolegal Aspects of Poisons: 

I.P.C Sections, 176, 193, 201, 202, 284, 299, 300, 304A, 309, 320, 324, 326 and 328 

Cr.P.C Section 39, 40 and 175, deal with offences related to administration of poisonous substances. 

Sections 272 to 276 of I.P.C. deal with adulterated foods and drugs.