FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY

Forensic Toxicology is used for identifying drugs,insect venom's and poisons.

Here is a video about Forensic Toxicology

When did Forensic Toxicology start?

A History Of Toxicology

   Forensic Toxicology has been around for hundreds of years. First Nations Shamans have been studying the poisonous plant extracts for thousands of years as an example. The first recorded start of Forensic Toxicology in the nineteenth century. The first book written about Forensic Toxicology was written by a Spanish chemist and physician who is known as the “Father of Toxicology” Mathieu Orfila. He wrote “Traite Des Poisons” in 1814. This book classified the poisons favored by criminals. Another break through was in 1836 when Albert Swaine published a textbook called “Elements of Medical Jurisprudence”, this book was the first textbook written about the theory of Forensic Toxicology. That same year English chemist James Marsh discovered an accurate way to detect arsenic in the body, this method is the basis of what we use today. 

   Today one of the leading Forensic Toxicologists is The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT) president Olaf H. Drummer, who is currently based out of London. Dr. Drummer has based his whole life around the fascinating study of Forensic Toxicology.

                                                                                                                                                                                                 

What is Forensic Toxicology?

Toxicology is the study of the adverse effects of drugs and chemicals on biological systems. Forensic toxicology deals with the application of toxicology to cases and issues where those adverse effects have administrative or medico‐ legal consequences, and where the results are likely to be used in court. Forensic toxicology is a thoroughly modern science, based on published and widely accepted scientific methods and practices, for both analysis of drugs in biological materials, and interpretation of those results. Many of the methods it employs have been derived from innovations in clinical medicine and academic laboratories throughout the world. Thousands of articles related to forensic toxicology methods, instrumentation and interpretation are published in hundreds of peer reviewed journals every year, and increase our understanding of the benefits, risks and dangers associated with use and abuse of illicit and recreational drugs, medications and alcohol. Forensic toxicology is governed through a professional certifying and accrediting board – The American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) – and promotes professional development and education through major professional organizations, the Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT), the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), and international organizations such as The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT).