Fluids Toxicology Fluids n n There are 32

Fluids& Toxicology

Fluids n n There are 32 body fluids that may be found at a crime scene Some of them include amniotic fluid, bile, cerebrospinal fluid, mucus, perspiration, phlegm, saliva, semen, tears, urine, vomit

Toxicology n The study of poisons and the identification of drugs and other substances a person may have used for medicinal, recreational, or criminal purposes

Exposure to Toxins Four ways to be exposed to toxins n 1. ingesting them into the gastrointestinal system n 2. inhaling them into the lungs n 3. injecting them into the bloodstream n 4. absorbing them through the skin n

Toxicity n The degree to which a substance is poisonous or can cause injury n Depends on: 1. Dosage (how much is taken in) 2. Duration (frequency and length of exposure) 3. Nature of exposure (ingested, inhaled, absorbed, etc. ) 4. Any potential interactions within the body 5. Harmful metabolites formed in the body

Testing for Toxicity Performance of chemical tests to analyze body fluids, stomach contents, skin, and hair n In the case of lethal exposures, internal organs (like the liver) and the vitreous humor fluid of the eye are analyzed n

Classification of Toxic Substances Intentionally – as in drugs taken to treat an illness or relieve pain n Accidentally – ingested or exposed, as in unintentional overdoses or harmful combinations n Deliberately – as in suicide or exposures intended to harm or kill others n

Murder by Poison Not very common (only one half of one percent of all homicides are poisonings) n Historical victims of poisoning n n n Socrates (399 BC) – hemlock poisoning Nazi Leaders Heinrich Himmler & Hermann Goering (1945) – cyanide poisoning Jonestown cult members (1978) – cyanide poisoning Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko (2006) radiation

Acute vs Chronic Poisoning Acute poisoning – caused by a high dose over a short period of time, like cyanide ingestion or inhalation, which immediately produces symptoms n Chronic poisoning – caused by lower doses over long periods of time, like mercury or lead poisoning, which produces symptoms gradually n

Accidental Drug Overdoses Much more common than death from poisoning n Examples: John Belushi, Chris Farley, River Phoenix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Anna Nicole Smith, Heath Ledger n

Drugs and Crime n Illegal drugs – drugs with no currently accepted medical use in the United States n n Controlled substances – legal drugs, whose sale, possession and use are restricted because of the effect of the drugs and the potential for abuse n n Marijuana, heroin, LSD Ex. ; medications such as narcotics, depressants, stimulants *** drug offenders make up more than ½ of the federal prison population and 20% of the state prison population

Controlled Substances n Five Classes of Controlled Substances n n n 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Hallucinogens Narcotics Stimulants Anabolic steroids Depressants

Hallucinogens n Affect the user’s perceptions, thinking, self-awareness, and emotions n n 1. 2. 3. 4. LSD – lysergic acid diethylamide PCP – mescaline marijuana

Narcotics n Act to reduce pain by suppressing the central nervous system’s ability to relay pain messages to the brain n n n 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Opium & it’s derivatives heroin & codeine Hydrocodone (vicodin, lortab) Methadone Morphine Oxycodone (percocet, oxycontin) Codeine pain relievers (tylenol 3)

Stimulants n Increase feelings of energy and alertness while suppressing appetite; depression results when the effects wear off n n n 1. amphetamines 2. methamphetamines (more potent than amphetamines) 3. cocaine (including crack)

Anabolic Steroids n n n Promotes cell and tissue growth and division Produced in the laboratory and have a similar chemical structure to testosterone Side effects include acne, increased body hair, baldness, “roid rage”, high blood pressure & cholesterol levels, impaired fertility, kidney and liver cancer, and heart attacks

Depressants n Relieve anxiety and produce sleep n n 1. barbiturates 2. benzodiazepine Decreases heart rate which results in drowsiness and slowed brain activity n An overdose may slow breathing and cause coma and death…mixing them with alcohol increases their effects n

Other Toxins 1. Organic Toxins – poisonous substances produced by living organisms n 2. Alcohol n 3. Bacterial Toxins n n n Botulism, tetanus 4. Heavy Metals and Pesticides n n Pesticides, arsenic, lead, mercury Hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, potassium chloride, sodium petothal

Bioterrorism Agents n Ricin – a component of the waste product of the manufacture of castor oil from castor beans n n Can be inhaled, ingested or absorbed in the skin Anthrax – enters body through inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption