Forensic toxicology is involved in the determination of what?

Forensic toxicology plays a crucial role in identifying and quantifying toxic substances present in human tissues, fluids, and organs. This field of study is particularly important in cases of unexplained deaths, overdoses, or poisonings, where understanding the presence and concentration of various chemicals can provide vital evidence regarding the cause of death or impairment.

Analyzing human tissues for toxic substances allows forensic toxicologists to determine if a person was under the influence of drugs or poisons at the time of death or incapacitation, making it an essential aspect of criminal investigations and legal proceedings. The focus on detecting specific toxins, such as alcohol, recreational drugs, or pharmaceutical agents, is what distinguishes forensic toxicology from other areas of health sciences, such as microbiology, which focuses on infections, or immunology, which deals with allergens.