Drugs and Poisons in Crime

Illegal Drug Trade ($6.7 billion annual in Australia)- Marijuana- Heroine- Cocaine- Alcohol & Cigarettes- Pharmaceutical drugs

Drugs and Poisons in CrimeMost cases of poisoning are accidents, such as drug overdoses or people accidentally drinking weedkiller.

Exposure to poisons- Ingest (swallow)- Eyes- Skins- Inhalation- Bite or sting

Drugs and Poisons• Drugs and poisons are referred to as toxins.• Toxicologists: Forensic specialists that look for toxins –

alcohol, drugs and poisons – in human blood, urine, and flesh.

What is a toxin?

ToxinsToxins are any chemicals that pose a risk to human health.

Chemicals are in everything we consume, including the food we eat and the water we drink. • pesticides• antibiotics• hormones

Any chemicals can become toxic in the right dose.nerally dose.

The Dose Response Principal

A dose is the amount of exposure to a chemical. Response is the reaction to the dose.

“The dose makes the poison”

The Dose Response Principal

The effect of a toxin depends on:• The dose (amount of chemical)• The concentration (how strong it is)• The length of exposure• The individual being exposed

Webquest

Chemical Lethal dose Response

Alcohol

Caffeine

THC (cannabis)

One other of your choice?

What chemicals in our food can become toxins?