Poison Analysis

1) What is the definition of poison?

·         A substance that, when introduced into or absorbed by a living organism, causes death or injury, esp. one that kills by rapid action.

2) Common poison sources

·         Gases

·         Anti-freeze

·         Food

·         Pesticides

·         Drinks

·         Medication

·         Venom

·         Cyanide

·         Plants

·         Metals

·         Sugar

·         Household chemicals

·         Iodine

3) How do crime labs handle poison cases? What are some signs of poisoning?

·         Scientists in labs can use several different chemicals and indicators to identify different types of poisons, such as:

o   KSCN to test for iron

o   KI to test for lead

o   Acid to test for Chromate

o   FE⁺³ to test for Cyanide

o   Starch to test for Iodine

·         Some signs of poisoning are:

o   Pupil dilation

o   Drooling

o   Dry Mouth

o   Altered heart rate

o   Altered breathing rate

o   Hyperactivity

o   Drowsiness

o   Rashes

o   Confusion

o   Hallucinations

o   Cardiac arrest

Poison Identification Activity

1. Metals- if metals are ingested or put into the bloodstream it can be fatal to the recipient.

	.5 M KSCN	KI	Acid
1	Negative	Positive for Lead	Negative
2	Positive for Iron	Negative	Negative
3	Negative	Negative	Negative

2. Sugar- sugar can be very harmful especially if the person has diabetes.

	1	2	3
Benedict Solution	Negative	Negative	Negative

3. Ammonia- is a household chemical that can make someone go unconscious and when combined with bleach inhaling would be fatal.

	Odor	pH less > 7	PHTH is purple/pink
1	Positive	Positive(11)	Positive
2	Negative	Positive (8.5)	Negative
3	Negative	Positive (8.5)	Negative

4. Aspirin- if a large amount of aspirin is ingested the acid in the medicine can cause great harm to the body possibly ending in overdose.

	pH <7	BTB is yellow
1	Positive (5)	Negative
2	Positive (6)	Negative
3	Positive (2)	Positive

 

5. Cyanide- is an odorless poison that when ingested is fatal.

	Turns red w/ FE+3
1	Negative
2	Negative
3	Positive

6. Iodine- can be harmful to the body especially for people with thyroid problems.

 

	Blue w/ Starch
1	Negative
2	Negative
3	Positive