[Diagnosis of lethal poisoning with some substances used by toxicomaniacs]

Area of Science:

• Forensic toxicology
• Toxicology
• Chemical analysis

Background:

• Toxicomaniac-related fatalities present complex challenges in forensic investigations.
• Understanding the spectrum of toxins involved is crucial for accurate cause-of-death determination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze expert conclusions regarding deaths associated with toxic substance abuse.
• To identify the specific toxic substances implicated in acute and chronic poisoning fatalities.

Main Methods:

• Review of 62 expert conclusions on poisoning deaths.
• Forensic medical examination of deceased individuals.
• Forensic chemical analysis of biological samples.

Main Results:

• Identification of diverse toxic substances including illicit drugs, toluene, freon, and organophosphorus compounds.
• Confirmation of both acute and chronic poisoning as causes of death.
• Analysis encompassed a range of toxins commonly misused by individuals with substance use disorders.

Conclusions:

• Forensic chemical analysis is vital for detecting a wide array of toxins in fatal poisoning cases.
• The study highlights the significant role of various chemical substances in toxicomaniac-related mortality.
• Accurate identification of toxins aids in understanding poisoning mechanisms and preventing future deaths.