St.
Louis College of Bulanao
Purok 6, Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga 3800
Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology
Module 1
Introduction to Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology
I. INTRODUCTION:
Forensic Chemistry embraces a large and diversified field. It includes not only the chemical side of
criminal investigation but also the analysis of any material of quality of which may rise to legal
proceedings. It encompasses other branches of forensic sciences such as legal medicine, ballistics,
questioned documents, dactyloscopy and photography.
II. LEARNING OUTCOMES:
a. Discuss forensic science and its branches.
b. Explore the importance of forensic science and forensic chemistry in the pursuit of justice.
c. Discuss the four stages in practice of forensic chemistry.
d. Discuss the role of forensic chemist in criminal investigation.
e. Differentiate the equipment used in forensic examination.
III. COURSE CONTENT:
Subject Matter: Introduction on Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology
IV. LEARNING EXPERIENCES:
Forensic Science is a science in service to the law. Forensic Science is the use of science and
technology to enforce civil and criminal laws.
Branches of Forensic Science
1. Legal Medicine--- It is concern with legal aspects of medical science, medical practice and other health
care delivery systems.
a. Forensic Medicine--- it uses medical knowledge for legal purposes.
b. Medical Jurisprudence--- specialized area of legal practice concerned with the relationship
between medicine and the law.
2. Forensic Pathology--- It focuses on the medicolegal investigation of sudden or unexpected death.
3. Forensic Psychology--- applies science and profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to
the law and the legal system. It includes psychological evaluation and expert testimony regarding such
criminal forensic issues.
4. Forensic Entomology--- it uses insects as evidence to help reconstruct the circumstances surrounding
human death.
5. Forensic Odontology--- it uses dental structures and analysis or comparisons of bite marks to identify
people.
6. Forensic Toxicology--- it determines and interprets drugs and their metabolites in biological fluids.
7. Forensic Anthropology--- it studies the human bones to determine factors that will help understand
who the victim is and how death occurred.
8. Forensic Botany--- it studies the plant material at crime scenes.
9. Forensic Engineering--- It uses the knowledge of engineering to reconstruct accidents, product failure
investigation, structural failure analysis and related investigations.
10. Forensic Computer science/ Digital Evidence --- it uses knowledge in computer science to collect
evidence or examine evidence from computers and other digital equipment.
What is forensic science trying to do?
The goal of forensic chemistry is to determine the provenance of a sample, link it to a person, place or a thing.
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What is Forensic Chemistry?
Forensic Chemistry is a branch of chemistry that deals with the application of chemical principles in the
solution of problems that arise in connection with the administration of justice. It is chemistry applied in the
elucidation of legal problem.
What is the key concept in forensic science?
---- It is the Locard’s Exchange Principle.
According to this principle, whenever a criminal comes in contact with a person or object there is a cross-
transfer of evidence.
What are the consequences of Locard’s Exchange Principle?
---- The perpetrator leaves evidence behind and also takes evidence away.
Practice of Forensic Chemistry
4 Stages:
1. Collection of the Specimen to be examined
a. Sufficiency of Samples
b. Standard for Comparison
c. Maintenance of Individuality
d. Labelling and Sealing
2. Actual Examination of the Specimen
--- First step is to scrutinize it carefully and write down in the laboratory logbook/record book a
complete description of the external appearance including the manner in which it is secured and the
particulars of the sealing. Take a photograph of the specimen including the inner wrappings and take
note of its descriptions. A detailed description of the appearance of the contents of the package should
be noted and recorded. All wrappers should be kept and preserved since questions concerning them may
be raised in court during trial.
--- The second step in the examination is to measure or weigh the object and all measurements and
weights should be entered in the laboratory logbook/ record book. The specimen should be placed in the
proper container or wrapper and must be kept in the proper evidence room.
--- The third step is the laboratory examination which consists of the chemical, physical and
confirmatory tests.
3. Communication of the results of the examination
--- The results of the examination conducted should be communicated with the requesting party in the
form of a written report which must include an enumeration of the facts on the specimen received for
examination with detailed description of the packing, sealing, and labelling, date of receipt and from
whom it was received, the purpose of the examination the finding and conclusion.
4. Court Appearance
--- The written report of the forensic chemist is usually supplemented by testimonial evidence in a later
date if the case is brought to court or the fiscal’s office. Since the testimonial evidence may be given
weeks, months or even years after the examination and the written report have been made, it is not only
permissible but indispensible that the chemist should refresh his memory by referring to his laboratory
record book before presenting himself in court.
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Role of Forensic Chemist in the Scientific Investigation
1. Conducts qualitative and quantitative determination of abused drugs as well as volatile substances.
2. Conducts chemical examination of explosives and or explosive ingredients.
3. Conducts examination of paraffin cast and firearms to determine the presence of gunpowder nitrates.
4. Conducts gunpowder examination on clothing for possible gunshot range
5. Conducts chemico-toxicological examination of human internal organs, gastric contents, blood, water,
food sample and other susbtances.
6. Conducts examination of fake products in cases of unfair trade competition.
7. Conducts blood alcohol examination.
8. Examines urine smples and other body fluids for the presence of abused drugs.
9. Conducts researches related to cases being examined.
10. Testifies and gives expert opinion in court.
11. Gives lectures on forensic chemistry and Chemical-toxicology to various schools, universities, police
training centers and investigating units.
12. Responds to querries 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.
Six Golden Rules in the Practice of Forensic Chemistry
1. Go Slowly
2. Be thorough
3. Take Notes
4. Consult Others
5. Use Imagination
6. Avoid Complicated Theories
Equipment’s used in the Forensic Examination
1. HPLC (High Powered Liquid Chromatography)
--- use for qualitative and quantitative determination of volatile or non-volatile compound based on the
chromatographic separation of its components.
2. Ultra-violet Spectrophotometer
--- use for qualitative and quantitative analysis of organic compounds
3. EMIT ( Enzyme Multiple Immuno Assay Technique
--- Use for screening of bused urine samples
4. SEM ( Scanning Electron Microscope)
--- Use for the physical identification of various questioned specimens. It produces a wide range of
magnification on rough or covered surface of minute specimen such as hair, fibers, paint particles,
drugs, metal etc.
5. FTIR ( Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy)
--- use for identification of pure organic substances particularly abused drugs and explosive ingredients
based on their characteristics functional groups.
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