Toxicology
Definition
The scientific study of poisons, their effects on living organisms, and their detection. Forensic toxicology specifically addresses the detection and quantification of drugs and poisons in biological specimens for legal purposes.
- Scope
- Study of poisons and their effects on organisms
- Forensic branch focus
- Detection and quantification in biological specimens for legal use
- Related subfields
- Analytical, clinical, environmental toxicology
- Core principle
- Dose determines whether a substance is toxic
Common questions
How does forensic toxicology differ from clinical toxicology?+
Clinical toxicology treats a living patient in real time, guiding immediate antidotes and supportive care. Forensic toxicology analyzes samples after the fact for legal proceedings, under strict chain of custody and confirmatory testing standards suitable for court.
Why is dose so central to the discipline?+
Almost any substance can be harmful at a high enough dose, and many so-called poisons are harmless in trace amounts. Toxicologists therefore quantify, not just detect, because the amount present determines whether it explains an effect.
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