FORENSIC SCIENCE
CHAPTER 9
FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY
“ALL SUBSTANCES ARE POISONS. THERE IS NONE WHICH IS NOT. THE RIGHT DOSE DIFFERENTIATES A
POISON AND REMEDY” ~Paracelsus, Swiss physician and chemist
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this chapter, students will be able to:
1. Explain how alcohol is absorbed, transported, and eliminated by the body.
2. Understand the devices used to measure Blood Alcohol Content.
3. Understand the significance of implied consent laws.
4. Understand the vocabulary of poisons.
Chapter Outline:
FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
Introduction to Toxicology
History of Toxicology
Elements of Toxicology
Testing
1. Specimens
Measuring Toxicology
1. FD50
Regulatory Agencies
1. FDA
2. EPA
3. Consumer Product Safety Commission
4. DOT
5. OSHA
Lead
1. Case Study – Georgi Ivanov Markov
Pharmaceuticals
Cyanide
Carbon Monoxide
Alcohol
1. How does alcohol affect the body?
2. Path of Alcohol through the body
a. Absorption
b. Distribution
c. Elimination
3. Alcohol Testing
a. Breath Test
1.) Breathalyzer
2.) Fuel Cell Test
b. Blood Tests
1
4. Collection of Blood
5. Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
6. Alcohol and the Law
a. Operation of motor vehicles
b. Implied Consent Law
1.) Schmerber vs California, 1966
L. Toxicological Techniques
1. Screening
2. Confirmation
Vocabulary:
Absorption
Acute Toxicity
Adipose Tissue
Antagonism
Artery
BAC
Bile
Chronic Exposure
DOT
EPA
Excretion
FDA
Implied Consent Law
LD50
MSDS
OSHA
Oxidation
Synergism
Toxicology
Toxin
Vitreous humor
Tentative Schedule:
Day 1 – Notes – Intro, History, Elements
Day 2 – Notes – Measuring, Agencies, Lead
Day 3 – Notes – Pharmaceuticals, Cyanide, Carbon Monoxide
Day 4-5 – Lab Experiment – OTC Drug Lab
Day 6 – Notes – Toxicology of Alcohol
Day 7-8 – Lab Experiment – Toxicology Lab
Day 9 – Notes – Toxicology of Alcohol
Day 10 – Toxicological Techniques
Day 11 – Chapter 9 Review
Day 12 – Chapter 9 Test
Assignments – due day of test!!:
1. Vocab Words!
2. p.307-308 #1-15
2