Catholic Association of Schools in the Prelature of Infanta

MOUNT CARMEL COLLEGE – BALER

Brgy. Pingit, Baler, Aurora 3200
HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

FORENSIC CHEMISTRY and TOXICOLOGY

Final Requirement

QUESTIONS:
1. According to Paracelsus, a Swiss physician and alchemist, “All substances are
poisons. There is none which is not. The right dose differentiates a poison and
remedy”.

1.1. Was Paracelsus, right? Why or why not?

This statement by Paracelsus is a figure of speech in which is the idea is right but
it certainly depends on the dosage of a certain substances. Anything above normal
human dosage can be lethal for human consumption, let’s take pain relievers and
antibiotics for instance, ingesting over normal human dose impose high risk of
complications.

2. List ten examples of substances that are beneficial in small quantities but
poisonous in larger doses. Explain briefly why these substances are poisonous
when taken in larger doses.
Methamphetamine- During the World War 2 the Axis powers took advantage of
the superhuman effects of this drug to their infantrymen, a tactics that called
“Blitzkrieg” and was greatly effective against the allied forces. By moving their
infantry nonstop, storming the enemy at swift phase. But consuming large amount
of this drug affect the psychological aspects of their soldier, developing into
mental illness overtime.
Calcium is needed for healthy bones and teeth, but too much of it can cause
kidney stones and other health issues.
Sodium - Sodium is important to the body to maintain a normal fluid balance, but
consuming too much of it can cause high blood pressure and other health issues.
Mercury - Mercury occurs naturally in small amounts throughout the
environment, but excessive exposure can cause serious health issues like brain
harm and kidney failure.
Lead - A toxic heavy metal that could be harmful to humans. Lead exposure over
a long period of time can harm the nervous system and result in various health
problems.
Arsenic - an element that occurs naturally and can be found in food and water.
Arsenic intake that is too high can cause cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other
major health problems.
 Catholic Association of Schools in the Prelature of Infanta
MOUNT CARMEL COLLEGE – BALER
Brgy. Pingit, Baler, Aurora 3200
HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Vitamin D - Vitamin D is important for bone health, but too much of it can harm
the kidneys and cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
Copper - Copper is essential for the body to function properly, but too much of it
can cause liver damage and other major health issues.
Zinc - Zinc has a great importance in wound healing and immune system health.
However, excessive use might result in illness, dizziness, and other medical
issues.
Potassium - Potassium is essential for the heart and muscles to function properly,
but too much of it can cause major heart problems as well as other health
problems.

3. List at least ten substances that were thought to be beneficial to humans but have
recently been questioned. Explain briefly the reasons why.
Cannabis – Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) commonly found in marijuana plant,
few states in the United States legalized THC for recreational use, but at some part
of the world still does not recognize few studies that THC were thought to be
beneficial.
Antibiotics - Antibiotics are commonly recommended to treat bacterial diseases,
but over use of these medications might cause bacteria to become resistant to their
effects. In addition, several studies revealed that prolonged antibiotic use may
harm the immune system and stomach health.
Trans fats - Found in many processed foods, trans fats were widely considered to
be a better alternative to saturated fats. Trans fats, on the other hand, have been
found in studies to increase the risk of heart disease and other health concerns.

Vitamin C supplements - Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that is important for

the immune system to function properly. Recent studies, however, suggests that
using huge amounts of vitamin C supplements may not provide any significant
health benefits and may possibly be harmful.
Low-fat diets - were once thought to be a healthy way to lose weight and reduce
the risk of heart disease. Recent studies, however, suggests that low-fat diets may
be less advantageous than previously assumed, and may even be hazardous.
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements - Omega-3 fatty acids are considered to be
necessary for heart health and brain development. Current findings, however,
suggests that using high dosages of omega-3 supplements may not provide any
significant health benefits and may potentially raise the risk of heart disease.
Low-carb diets - Low-carb diets were once thought to be a safe and effective way
to lose weight and reduce the risk of heart disease. However, recent studies have
suggested that low-carb diets may not be as beneficial as previously thought and
may even be harmful.
Vitamin D supplements - Vitamin D is important for bone health, but recent
studies have suggested that high doses of vitamin D supplements may not have
 Catholic Association of Schools in the Prelature of Infanta
MOUNT CARMEL COLLEGE – BALER
Brgy. Pingit, Baler, Aurora 3200
HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

any additional health benefits and may even increase the risk of some health
problems.
Soy - Soy is a popular source of protein and is often used in vegetarian and vegan
diets. However, recent studies have suggested that soy may not be as beneficial as
previously thought and may even be harmful for certain individuals.
Echinacea - Echinacea is often used to treat colds and flu, but recent studies have
suggested that this herb may not be as effective as previously thought.

4. What are some of the influences on the effect of poisons and toxins on the body?
Dose - The amount of the chemical consumed has a significant impact on the
harmful effect. Small dosages may be harmless, however greater quantities may
cause serious damage.
Frequency - The frequency of exposure to the chemical can also have an effect on
the harmful effect. Related to low exposure to a toxin may have a bigger impact
on the body than a single high-level exposure.
Route of exposure - The method in which a chemical enters the body can have an
impact on its toxicity. Inhaling a harmful gas, for example, may have a different
effect on the body than absorbing the same toxin through food or drink.
Genetic factors - Due to genetic differences, certain persons may be more
vulnerable to the harmful effects of specific drugs.

Age - Because of their developing or weaker bodies, children and the elderly may
be more vulnerable to the harmful effects of some drugs.
Nutritional status - The nutritional status of the body can also affect the harmful
effect of a drug. For example, if the body is deficient in particular vitamins and
minerals, it may be more vulnerable to the toxicity of certain drugs.

5. Why does arsenic accumulate in hair and fingernails?

One of the ways that arsenic accumulates in the body is through the hair and
fingernails. Both hair and fingernails are made of keratin, a protein that is formed
from the accumulation of dead skin cells. As the hair and nails grow, they
continue to accumulate these dead cells, along with any contaminants present in
the body.
Arsenic accumulation in hair and fingernails can occur due to exposure to the
element through various routes such as inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. As
the hair and nails grow, they retain this residue of arsenic, which continues to
accumulate over time, making them a useful tool for monitoring long-term
exposure. However, it is important to note that hair and nail samples may not
always provide a clear picture of the levels of arsenic in the body, and it should be
used in conjunction with other testing methods.
 Catholic Association of Schools in the Prelature of Infanta
MOUNT CARMEL COLLEGE – BALER
Brgy. Pingit, Baler, Aurora 3200
HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

6. What is a standard? What is a control? Can we run forensic analysis without a

standard or a control? Why or why not?
A standard is a reference material or set of guidelines that is used as a point of
comparison for measuring or assessing something. In the context of forensic
analysis, a standard might refer to a known sample of a particular substance or
substance class that is used as a comparison for identifying or quantifying an
unknown sample.
A control is a sample or procedure used to ensure that an analytical method is
working correctly and that any results obtained are due to the samples being tested
and not due to some other extraneous factor. In forensic analysis, a control might
refer to a sample that is known to be negative for a particular substance, and is
used to confirm that a test is not producing false positives.

Although forensic analysis can be performed without a standard or a control, it is

frequently considered as less reliable and accurate in such circumstances.
Standards and controls are used to help ensure that analytic results are accurate
and reliable, and that any variations can be discovered and addressed. Without
standards and controls, determining whether or not an analytical result is valid or
identifying any sources of mistake in the study would be difficult.

7. Radiation is a toxic substance. Though not usually considered to be a chemical,

most radiations are generated from radioisotopes, which are chemicals. List at
least three naturally radioactive elements that have either no stable isotopes or
have one or more radioactive isotopes.
Radium - is a radioactive metal that is naturally found in small quantities in the
crust of the earth. It is a product of the decomposition of uranium and thorium,
and every radioactive isotope of it.
Polonium - Polonium is a highly radioactive metal that is found in very small
amounts in the earth's crust. It is also a decay product of uranium and thorium, and
all of its isotopes are radioactive.
Radon - Radon is a radioactive, colorless, odorless, tasteless noble gas that is
formed by the radioactive decay of radium. It is present in small amounts in soil
and rock and can accumulate in poorly ventilated buildings, posing a health risk.
All isotopes of Radon are radioactive.

8. What are the three types of particles emitted by radioactive substances? Which
one can be stopped most easily? Why?
Alpha particles - consist of two protons and two neutrons bound together, also
known as a helium nucleus. They are relatively large and carry a positive charge.
Beta particles - are small particles that have a positive or negative charge and are
either electrons or neutrons.
 Catholic Association of Schools in the Prelature of Infanta
MOUNT CARMEL COLLEGE – BALER
Brgy. Pingit, Baler, Aurora 3200
HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Gamma particles - are electromagnetic radiation and have no charge. They are
similar to X-rays.
Alpha particles are the easiest to stop because they are the largest and heaviest of
the three types of particles, and they also have a positive charge. Because of their
large size, they do not penetrate very far into materials and can be stopped by a
sheet of paper or a few centimeters of air.

9. Search for and read the case of Aleksandr Litvinenko.

9.1. Would Litvinenko have died if he had merely spilled tea laced with Po –
210 on his shirt?
It is unlikely that Alexander Litvinenko would have died if he had just spilled
Polonium-210-laced tea on his shirt. While Polonium-210 is a very dangerous and
radioactive chemical, the fact that Litvinenko consumed a significant amount of it
was the key factor in his death. When swallowed, the material enters the blood
and travels to vital organs, resulting in internal exposure to radiation.
If Litvinenko simply spilled tea on his shirt, the contact with his skin would have
been short, and the amount of Polonium-210 on his shirt would have been
minimal. While the radioactive material could have been absorbed through the
skin, the amount would have been small and would not have caused harm.

10. Search for and read “Operation Anthropoid” and “Operation Mongoose”.

10.1. Why hasn’t botulin toxin been used, or feared, as an agent in chemical
warfare or terrorism?
Botulinum toxin, the substance that causes botulism, is a powerful neurotoxin that
can be fatal in high doses. However, it is not an effective agent for chemical
warfare or terrorism because it is relatively difficult to obtain and handle in large
quantities, and it is also relatively difficult to disseminate. In addition, the
symptoms of botulinum toxin exposure can take several days to appear, which
would make it difficult for an attacker to know if their attempt had been
successful. Furthermore, botulinum toxin is extremely sensitive to heat and can be
easily neutralized by proper food preparation and preservation techniques. This
makes the toxin less suitable for terrorist activities compare to the other chemical
weapon.

ADDITIONAL PROJECT (Choose only 1 from the 2 topics below)

1. Prepare a two – page report about a poison or toxin of your choice. Include as
many aspects as possible: a description of the substance and its source, toxicity,
symptoms, detection, cure, lasting effects, history, examples, and social impact, if
any. List resources and references.
 Catholic Association of Schools in the Prelature of Infanta
MOUNT CARMEL COLLEGE – BALER
Brgy. Pingit, Baler, Aurora 3200
HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

2. Napoleon Bonaparte died in exile in 1821. After analysis of his hair, some investigators
have suggested he was poisoned by the deliberate administration of arsenic; others
suggest that is was vapors from the dyes in the wallpaper that did him in.

2.1. Search for and read the death of Napoleon Bonaparte and make an analysis of his
death. Prepare a two – page report containing your findings and conclusions.
2.2. Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military leader, politician. He conquered most
of Europe and later died Since the Middle Ages, poisoning people with arsenic has
become a common practice. Arsenic alone is not highly dangerous but another type of
arsenic - arsenic oxide - is exceedingly poisonous. Arsenic poisoning was a
convenient method of murder because its symptoms might be mistaken for those of
numerous other ailments and it was highly challenging to find arsenic after the fact.
In fact, white arsenic earned the nickname "inheritance powder."
2.3. Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to the tiny and remote volcanic island of St
Helena in the south Atlantic in 1815, after being defeated by the Duke of Wellington
at the Battle of Waterloo. Napoleon spent the majority of his exile in Longwood
House with a retinue of about twenty people that included
2.4. His valet, Merchand, whose diaries were not published until 1950.
2.5. the Comte de Montholon, head of household, whom Napoleon regarded as the
most devoted of believers
2.6. Albine de Montholon, the Comte's wife, was said to be Napoleon's mistress and
the mother of his illegitimate child.
2.7. The Emperor's personal physician, Dr. Antommarchi
2.8. Hudson Lowe, the island's governor
2.9. Several of these people had a reason for wanting to assassinate Napoleon.
2.10. Napoleon had requested a thorough examination of his body, particularly his
stomach, a few days before his death. In 1821, the Emperor died at Longwood House.
According to the doctors who performed the post-mortem on Napoleon, the main
cause of his death was a perforated stomach ulcer that had turned cancerous.
Napoleon was initially buried on St Helena, but his body was later removed and
reburied at the Invalides in Paris.
2.11. Sten Forshufvud, a Swedish dentist, read Merchand's account of Napoleon's death
in 1952. Forshufvud concluded that Napoleon had been murdered based on his
knowledge of toxicology. Fortunately, a number of Napoleon's staff members had
saved locks of the Emperor's hair.
2.12. which were passed down the generations, sometimes coming up for auction. This
occurred in the 1960s, and Toshufvud turned to Glasgow University forensic scientist
Professor Hamilton Smith, who had developed nuclear techniques for recording very
low levels of arsenic. Using these techniques, it was discovered that Napoleon's hair
contained trace amounts of arsenic. It was possible to poison someone without their
knowledge by slowly exposing them to small amounts of arsenic. This method was
known and described in a book Albine de Montholon had with her on St Helena.
 Catholic Association of Schools in the Prelature of Infanta
MOUNT CARMEL COLLEGE – BALER
Brgy. Pingit, Baler, Aurora 3200
HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Forshufvud came to the conclusion that Napoleon was murdered by the Comte de
Montholon.
2.13. However, in 1980, Dr David Jones hosted a BBC radio show in which he asked if
anyone knew the color of Napoleon's wallpaper on St Helena. One of the stories Dr.
Jones told as part of the program was about Gosio's Disease. Several cases of arsenic
poisoning occurred during the nineteenth century, which caused some consternation.
Some became ill, while others died. Arsenic was discovered in their bodies, and foul
play was suspected in some cases, though it did not appear that the person had been
poisoned on purpose in many cases. In 1893 an Italian Biochemist called Gosio
worked out what was happening.
2.14. Scheele's Green was a colorant pigment used in fabrics and wallpapers since
around 1770. It was named after the Swedish chemist who invented it, Scheele.
The pigment was simple to make and had a bright green color, but under certain
conditions, the copper arsenite could be fatal. Gosio discovered that if
wallpaper containing Scheele's Green became damp and mouldy, the mould
could perform a chemical process to remove the copper arsenite. It converted it
to arsenic vapour, which was normally a poisonous mixture of arsine, dimethyl,
and trimethyl arsine. If Napoleon's wallpaper was green, it could have
contained arsenic, which could have been the source of the arsenic in the water.
2.15. The green pigment did contain arsenic, and it began to appear that Napoleon
was a victim of Gosio's disease, poisoned not by British authorities, but by
British wallpaper makers. Many of the other people who were with Napoleon
on St Helena also became ill and complained of the 'bad air'. Poisoning with
arsenic causes stomach pains, diarrhoea, shivering, and swollen limbs;
Napoleon's butler died as a result. Dr. Jones came to the conclusion that the
amount of arsenic in Napoleon's wallpaper was not particularly high, and thus
the amount of arsenic vapour in the air would not have been high, otherwise
more people would have become ill or died. Although the arsenic was
insufficient to kill Napoleon, he was already dead.
 Catholic Association of Schools in the Prelature of Infanta
MOUNT CARMEL COLLEGE – BALER
Brgy. Pingit, Baler, Aurora 3200
HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

ANALYSIS of FORENSIC CHEMISTRY and TOXICOLOGY CASES

as FINAL REQUIREMENT for the subject

FORENSIC CHEMISTRY and TOXICOLOGY

Submitted to:

MARLON G. CANDELARIO JR.

Instructor

Submitted by:

Vincent M. Carreon

January 2023
 Catholic Association of Schools in the Prelature of Infanta
MOUNT CARMEL COLLEGE – BALER
Brgy. Pingit, Baler, Aurora 3200
HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

References;

Adams, T; Krutsinger, J. Crime Scene Investigation; Prentice Hall: Upper Saddle

River, NJ. 2000
Crime Scene Investigation, A Reference for Law Enforcement Training; U.S.
Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice,
Washington, D.C. (2004).
Essentials of Crime Scene Investigation (online training program). National
Forensic Science Technology Center, Largo, FL (2011).
Ritter, N. DNA Solves Property Crimes (But Are We Ready for That?). NIJ
Journal. [Online] 2010 (accessed April 28, 2012)
https://www.forensicsciencesimplified.org/csi/glossary.html
https://victorianweb.org/history/arsenic.html