Poisons: An Introduction for Forensic Investigators is a concise yet comprehensive overview of toxicants and unanticipated circumstances in which poisoning occurs. This book expands awareness of poisoning possibilities, heightens recognition of the toxic potential of many substances, and provides information to aid in focusing investigations.
Poisons discusses life-threatening toxic substances and agents that modify behavior to achieve criminal goals. These include drugs that facilitate sexual assaults and robberies, and those found in medical child abuse and drug-product tampering.
More than 230 case studies illustrate both unintentional and intentional poisoning and highlight situations where poisoning may not immediately be apparent. Information is included in pertinent criminal poisoning cases to illustrate the temperament of poisoners, their relationship to victims, their basis for poison selection, and their method of administration.
Since Poisons is written by a single author, the discussions, format, educational level, and terminology remain consistent to aid crime scene investigators, homicide detectives, forensic scientists, death investigators, toxicologists, medical examiners, attorneys, and students. The book's more than 650 references are an asset to frame knowledge as well as a resource to return to again and again.
Features
Employs a rapid fire style to keep topics moving while providing a wealth of relevant information
Includes numerous cases of celebrity poisonings as well as interesting and unique cases, both accidental and intentional
Discusses poisons in layman's terms, introducing the chemistry and telltale markers without excessive technical language
Includes illicit and prescription drugs, drug tampering, pesticides, carbon monoxide poisoning and more
Focuses on topics of forensic implications and with an eye to the investigative angle
Table of Contents
Part I. Poison
1. Poison and Poisoning
2. Poison Exposure
3. Poison Absorption
4. Poison Biodisposition
5. Poison Detection
6. Poisoning Treatment
Part II. Potential Poisons
7. Arsenic
8. Carbon Monoxide
9. Cyanide
10. Ethylene Glycol
11. Nicotine
12. Strychnine
13. Thallium
14. Aspirin
15. Acetaminophen
16. Alcohol
17. Opioids
18. Antidepressants
19. Benzodiazepines
20. Stimulants
21. Emerging Recreational Psychotropics
22. Food Poisoning
23. Plants and Mushrooms
24. Pesticides
Part III. Poisoning
25. Accidental Poisoning
26. Suicidal Poisoning
27. Homicidal Poisoning
28. Poisonous Women
29. Healthcare Serial Poisoners
30. Hospitalized Patients Poisoned by Visitors
31. Medical Child Abuse and Homicide
32. Drug Abuse Fatalities
33. Celebrity Drug Deaths
34. Drug-Facilitated Crimes
35. Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault
36. Drug Product Tampering
37. Assassination
38. Multiple Victim Poisonings
Appendices
