Introduction
Forensic toxicology is the scientific study of the identification of drugs, poisons, chemicals, and metals that are present in the fluids and tissues of an organism. Forensic toxicology represents their various uses as well as their importance. These include the following issues.
Uses forensic toxicology
Forensic toxicology helps investigate what exactly caused death through post Mortem forensic toxicology (Levine, 2003). At this point, tests carried out to determine whether there are poisonous gases, drugs or even metals and chemicals present in a dead body. Substances found help determine their role in the death of the victim.
Forensic toxicology assists to study the effect of drugs and chemicals on the performance of a human being through human performance toxicology (Levine, 2003). In these cases, forensic scientists test blood, sweat, hair, etc., to determine if there are chemicals and drugs and how these things affected body functions, for instance; the influence of cannabis on the human memory.
Forensic toxicology tests whether a drug is present or not in the body of a person. The most commonly used specimen for this test is urine, but the hair, sweat, and saliva may be used as well. These tests mainly apply at such institutions as schools, military, sports, and even the criminal justice institutions.
Forensic toxicology generates information that is vital at the courts of law. This is because the results from forensic toxicology are factual and in most cases right.
In clinical toxicology, forensic is significant in determining whether there is the existence of medical malpractices or the irresponsibility lies with the patient.
Another use of forensic toxicology is in manufacturing companies. It comes in handy when analyzing the various elements that companies use in manufacturing their products.
Forensic toxicology is useful in coming up with new medical drugs and various treatments. It is also useful when putting diseases in old, new and emerging categories.
Importance of forensic toxicology
Forensic toxicology is essential in administering justice whereby the scientists can prove a person’s participation in a murder or attempted murder. Once forensic toxicologists establish the cause of death, investigators come closer to solving these cases.
Forensic toxicology is vital in ensuring fairness in various sports, especially in athletics. To ensure fairness in competitions, athletes go through steroids tests.
Forensic toxicology is significant in solving cases where the rapist uses drugs on the victim to facilitate the rape. The presence of these drugs helps support the victim’s claim of involuntary sexual activities.
Forensic toxicology is crucial in preventing future disasters. For instance, alcohol detectors help detain drunk drivers, thus preventing them from harming themselves and others. Another example is that at the airports, forensic toxicology tests are performed to prevent illegal drugs and chemicals from entering the country.
It is also particularly relevant in manufacturing companies. It helps produce quality goods that are harmless to the human body. In the case of harmful products, the companies give warnings on how to use certain products.
In clinical toxicology, forensic is fundamental as it aids in finding hospitals or doctors guilty in causing harm to patients. On the other hand, it is also beneficial as it helps restore a good reputation of the hospital or the doctor if wrongly accused.
Conclusion
In conclusion, forensic toxicology is very essential in the modern world. It has come in handy in solving cases and attaining justice in a difficult situation. Forensic toxicology also provides quality assurance and better living standards.
Reference
Levine, B. (2003). Principles of Forensic Toxicology. Washington DC: AACC Press.