Forensics: Organic Toxins

Pesticides

are a group of chemicals that are primarily used for controlling insects, rodents, weeds, fungi, bacteria, and viruses on plants or food crops. The level of toxicity of each of the types of pesticides is determined by a variety of factors including the length of exposure, method of absorbtion, and the time that has passed since the exposure.

Organic toxins

are those poisonous substances produced by living organisms. They are made up of a cocktail of proteins that cause problems within the victims body and bodily functions. These are usually absorbed through the intestines or skin.

Alcohols

these depressants are usually not directly poisonous but the products that are produced after the liver processes them can be. Methanol for instance, turns into formaldehyde, which is toxic. Ethanol or grain alcohol is converted to acetaldehyde and acetic acid, which is not usually deadly but causes the symptoms that are called hangovers.

Bacterial Toxins

Botulism is the most poisonous biological substance known to humans and is produced by Clostridium botulinum. This acts like a neurotoxin paralyzing muscles, releasing a neurotransmitter acetylcholine. (Coppolino vs. Florida). Another bacterial toxin is tetanus that is produced by Clostridium tetani, which causes lock jaw.