Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology

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Introduction to Forensic Chemistry

INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC CHEMISTRY

I. INTRODUCTION:
This module introduces forensic chemistry as a branch of science which deals with the application
II. OBJECTIVES:
of scientific knowledge in the criminal justice system. A forensic chemist uses the principles and
techniques of chemistry to analyze physical evidence within the crime laboratory.

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Identify forensic chemistry and its role in forensic investigation;
2. Determine the contributions of foreign chemists in the growth of forensic
chemistry; and,
3. Describe the characteristics and main functions of forensic chemists.
III. PRELIMINARY ACTIVITIES:

Before you proceed to the main lesson, test yourself in this

activity.

What is poison?
Encircle the words that you can relate to the
given image.
Fatal liquid chemical
Organic toxic healthy
Harmful mixture natural

IV. LESSON PROPER:

Forensic Chemistry refers to the branch of chemistry that deals with the application of chemical
theories and principles in the solution of legal problems in relation to the administration of justice.
Forensic Chemistry plays a very important part in the speedy investigation and in the
administration of justice.
The word “forensic” is derived from the Latin word forensis, which means “of the forum,” or
speaking the truth in public.
Forensic chemist a person who analyzes non-biological trace evidence found at crime scenes in
order to identify unknown materials and match samples to known substance. They also analyze
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Introduction to Forensic Chemistry

drugs/controlled substance taken from scene and people in order to identify and sometimes quantify these
materials.
Role of forensic chemist in the scientific investigation A forensic chemist, as a man of science,
performs laboratory examination on physical evidence submitted to the crime laboratory to expedite the
investigation of crime by the investigating party. He/she has the following responsibilities:
 Conducts qualitative and quantitative determination of abused drugs as well as volatile substance.
 Conducts chemical examination of explosives and or explosive ingredients.
 Conducts examination of paraffin cast and firearms to determine the presence of gunpowder
nitrates.
 Conducts gunpowder examination on clothing for possible gunshot range.
 Conducts qualitative and quantitative determination of abused drugs as well as volatile substance.
 Conducts chemical–toxicological examination of human internal organs, gastric contents, blood,
water, food sample and other substance.
 Conducts examination of fake products in cases of unfair trade competition
 Conducts blood alcohol determinations.
 Examines urine samples and other body fluids for the presence of abused drugs.
 Conducts researches related to cases being examined.
 Testifies and gives expert opinion in court.
 Gives lectures on forensic chemistry and chemical – toxicology to various schools, universities,
police training centers and investigating units.
 Responds to queries of all investigating units and render expert opinion on matters related to the
application of chemical principles for the purpose of assisting investigators to develop investigative
leads.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A FORENSIC CHEMIST

 Be able to spend hours rigorously applying analytical techniques to evidence
 Clearly and concisely answers challenges to his findings
 Possess moral integrity.

History of Forensic Chemistry:

DEMOCRATES, an ancient philosopher widely considered as

the father of modern science, was probably the first to study
poisons.

JEAN SERVAIS STAS (1813-1891) conducted studies on

various methods employed to detect certain types of vegetable
poisons in the body. Stas is best known for his work in
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Introduction to Forensic Chemistry

determining the atomic weights of the elements, and served as the leading chemist in Belgium during his
time.

CHRISTIAN FRIEDRICH SCHONBEIN is the one who discovered the

first reliable method for identifying human blood in 1863.

JAMES MARSH is a British chemist who invented the Marsh test for
arsenic. It was also during this period when he studied on bullet
“fingerprinting”.

EDMOND LOCARD (1877-1966) is the one who made several

significant contributions to the new science of fingerprinting. He
is the best known for the Locard’s Exchange Principle, which
has been adopted as one of the tenets of forensic science.
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Introduction to Forensic Chemistry

MATHIEU JOSEPH BONAVENTURE ORFILA (1787–1853),

often called the "Father of Toxicology," was the first great 19th-
century exponent of forensic medicine

Forensic Laboratories in the Philippines

The practice of forensics began with passage of the Royal Decree No. 188 by King Philip during
the Spanish rule in the country. Under this decree, forensic physicians, called “Medicos Titulares,” were
assigned to the Philippine province to perform public sanitary and medico –legal duties.
Today, there are several forensic laboratories in the country, including those from the five district
offices, two satellite crime laboratories in Valenzuela city and Marikina City, regional and provincial offices
of the Philippine National Police (PNP); the University of the Philippines –Philippines General Hospital (UP
– PGH) in Manila; the Philippines Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Quezon City; and the National
Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Manila and its regional and provincial offices.

CRIME LABORATORY
Crime laboratory is a scientific laboratory that uses forensic science for the purpose of examining evidence
from criminal cases. It refers to a laboratory were highly trained technical personnel render various related
services.

END OF TOPIC!