Environmental Toxicants in Forensic Entomology
Journal Title: Toxicology and Forensic Medicine – Open Journal - Year 2018, Vol 3, Issue 1
Abstract
The fundament of toxicology is the risk-benefit analysis. Certain chemical exists in the environment that if ingested, even in minute quantities, may alter bodily functions, induce death and interfere with the rate of decomposition of dead bodies. Ancient cultures discovered and reported many naturally occurring toxins that have been used in medications, hunting, and wars. In China, Emperor Shen Nung (2700 B.C.) documented having experimented with toxicants and medicinal plants.1 Eight Egyptian papyri dating from 1900-1200 B.C. reported the early use of poisons.1 The Ebers papyrus, dated 1500 B.C., contains the methodology for collections, preparations, and administrations of more than 800 drugs and poisonous recipes,1 including opium to alleviate pain. Hindu medicine in India from 800 B.C. to 1000 A. D. references poisons and antidotes. The Greek army physician, Dioscorides (A.D. 50-100), was assigned to classify toxicants.1 The Romans (A.D. 50-400) made use of poisons for executions and assassinations.1 Avicenna (A.D. 980-1036), a master of many disciplines, was considered to be an Islamic authority on poisons and their antidotes. In A.D. 1198, Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (died in December 13, 1204, Fustat, Egypt) wrote a book entitled “Poisons and Their Antidotes” which was a first-aid guide to the treatment of poisoning. Swiss physician Paracelsus (1493-1541), the father of modern toxicology, stated that all compounds are toxic, provided the dose is high enough. The fall of the Roman Empire has historically been attributed to lead poisoning,2 and there is lead found in narcotics today that can cause poisoning.3 Deaths from toxicants are important aspects of medicine, particularly forensic medicine.
Authors and Affiliations
Bashir M. Rezk
Keywords
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- EP ID EP550672
- DOI 10.17140/TFMOJ-3-e008
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