What is forensic toxicology?

Forensic toxicology is a branch of chemistry, which focuses on the study of toxins and their application to forensic. Forensic toxicologists can examine tissue and fluid samples from the human body to look for toxins, and can also check the presence of toxins in animals and the natural environment. They can be involved in various criminal cases, from suspicion of racing horses to investigation of chemical pollution. The added layer of complexity is associated with forensic toxicology, because plants and animals metabolize toxins when they are ingested, and it is unusual to find toxin in its original form in the body. Sometimes forensic toxicologists are mainly looking for traces that indicate that chemicals were once present in the body rather than trying to identify the chemical itself, because chemical could be gone long ago. Understanding this information can help analysts look for specific toxins.

ToxicologiThe screens that are commonly operated in deceased individuals are performed by a forensic toxicologist who is looking for unusual chemicals or materials in the body. The toxicological screen sometimes reveals an unusual increase in substance that does not necessarily be toxic, but could provide information about the crime. Forensic toxicology may also include exploring the remains of animals, along with evidence found on a scene that could indicate the presence of toxins. For example, people can find dead plants near Waterway, and ask a forensic toxicologist to explore plants and nearby water to see if there are toxins in the water that cause plants to die.

In order to become a forensic toxicologist, someone must generally become a forensic chemist and during his studies to focus specifically on toxins. In particular, some universities offer their students forensic toxicology. Usually a bachelor's degree in chemistry is required to work as a forensic chemist or toxicologist, along with other training and workexperience in forensic. Graduates initially can work under the supervision of someone who has more experience while learning the nature of their work, and eventually it is allowed to work independently on the assigned tasks.