Forensics- Ch. 8 Toxicology

Socrates

Greek Philosopher; one of the first victims of poisoning 399BC

narcotics

Group of drugs which act to reduce pain by suppressing the central nervous system's ability to relay pain messages to the brain; these include opium, heroin, methadone, oxycodone

controlled substances

Legal drugs whose sale, possession, and use are restricted because of the mind-altering effect of the drugs and the potential for abuse

opium

Most narcotics are derived from this poppy

autopsy

Post-mortem examination of a corpse to determine the cause and manner of death and to evaluate any toxins, diseases, or injuries that may be present.

dosage

Refers to how much of a drug is taken

duration

Refers to the frequency and length of exposure to a drug

Orfila

Scientist (last name) known as the Father of Forensic Toxicology

presumptive

Term for drug screening tests that help narrow down the type of drug present so that more specific tests can be done later.

illegal

Term for drugs with no current accepted medical use in the United States

toxicity

The extent to which a substance is poisonous; this is affected by dosage, duration, method of exposure, and interactions with other substances

botulism

The most poisonous biological substance known to humans; this bacterial toxin can be found in contaminated food such as canned vegetables, cured pork and ham, smoked or raw fish, honey, and corn syrup

toxicology

The study of poisons

rohypnol

This depressant is commonly known as the "date rape drug"

stimulants

This group of drugs increase feelings of well-being, energy, and alertness while suppressing appetite; these include nicotine, caffeine, amphetamines, cocaine, methamphetamines

depressants

This group of drugs is often used to relieve anxiety and produce sleep; ; these include Barbituates and Benzodiazepines, such as valium, Xanax, and Rohypnol

anabolic steroids

This group of drugs promote cell and tissue growth and are frequently used illegally to increase bone mass and body muscle; these include testosterone

II

This schedule number (Roman Numeral) contains drugs with high potential for abuse and addiction but have some medical value with restrictions

I

This schedule number (Roman Numeral) contains drugs with high potential for abuse and addiction, NO medical value

III

This schedule number (Roman Numeral) contains drugs with less potential for abuse and addiction, currently acceptable for medical use

V

This schedule number (Roman Numeral) contains drugs with low potential abuse, medical use, and the lowest potential for dependency

IV

This schedule number (Roman Numeral) contains drugs with low potential for abuse and addiction, currently acceptable for medical use

Marsh

This test was the first use of toxicology in a jury trial

cyanide

Toxin with a bitter almond smell

deliberate

Type of exposure when someone exposes themselves or someone else to a toxin as a suicide attempt or to inflict harm or death upon others

intentional

Type of exposure when someone exposes themselves or someone else to a toxin in order to treat an illness or relieve pain

accidental

Type of exposure when someone unknowingly exposes themselves or someone else to a harmful dose or combination of toxins

acute

Type of poisoning involving high doses over short time periods

chronic

Type of poisoning involving lower doses over long periods

injection

When toxins enter through the bloodstream

ingestion

When toxins enter through the gastrointestinal system

inhalation

When toxins enter through the lungs

absorption

When toxins enter through the skin

forensic toxicology

the science of detecting and identifying drugs and poisons a person may have used for medicinal, recreational, or criminal purposes

hallucinogens

"Psychedelic drugs"; influence the user's perceptions, thinking, self-awareness, and emotions. These include ecstasy, mescaline, LSD, and PCP.

ricin

A Bioterrorism agent lethal in humans in very small quantities; enters the cells of the body and prevents them from making necessary proteins, causing cell death

withdrawal

A collection of symptoms a person goes through when they stop taking a drug that their body has become addicted to

smoke inhalation

A common source of cyanide poisoning

tolerance

A condition in which higher doses of a drug are required to produce the same effect as initial drug use

tetanus

A deadly nervous system disease caused by bacteria that produces violent muscle spasms; responsible for 1 million deaths per year worldwide, but only 5 deaths per year in U.S. because of vaccinations against it

metabolite

A specific product of a drug, formed by the chemical processes in the body that break down the drug

carbon monoxide

A toxic gas released by car exhaust

liver

Alcohol is oxidized by and can damage this organ

ecstasy

Also known as MDMA, this hallucinogen causes increased heart rate and blood pressure, panic attacks, and other side effects

arsenic

An odorless, tasteless poison commonly used for poisonings in the 17th through 19th centuries; the major ingredient in rat poison

heavymetal

Arsenic, lead, and mercury are all examples of this type of poison

anthrax

Bioterrism agent placed in letters on 9/11 that killed 5and became one of the worst biological attacks in U.S. history; caused by a bacterium that forms spores and spreads to humans from infected animals