Journal of Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology

Copper sulphate is an inhibitor of many enzymes. Its poisoning can cause death because of hemolysis, shock and renal failure. We present a case of a brought dead person where the external appearance of body was giving the picture of assault and smothering but after detailed external and internal examination the cause of death turned out to be copper sulphate poisoning. The authors intend to add to Medical literature this important presentation, which should be kept in consideration while examining cases of copper sulphate poisoning to prevent misinterpretation of external findings as traumatic injuries. One such wrong opinion by an autopsy surgeon can lead to harassment of an innocent person leading to miscarriage of justice.

Keywords: Copper Sulphate; Poisoning; Smothering

 Analgesics give relief pain without blocking the conduction of nerve impulse or altering the function of the sensory apparatus. In forensic autopsy case, the forensic pathologist may require a complete toxicological investigation for different poisons including analgesics. The samples have to be analyzed by the Forensic Toxicologist/Chemists/ Scientist. This article deals with the screening/spot test for analgesics. It attempts to simplify the standard procedures in a step-wise manner, which can be of handy reference for the forensic toxicologist.This article is in continuation of Screening/spot/colour test of anti-depresents, Journal of Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology, Volume 2 Number 1,January – june 2016.

Keywords: Analgesics; Screening; SpotTest; Color Test; etc.

 The main objective of this paper is to provide a brief view on the merits, demerits, effects and uses of antifouling paints. The imminent ban of environmentally harmful tributyltin (TBT) and Tin based paint products has been the cause of a major change in the antifouling industry. Fouling organisms such as barnacles, tube worms and algae, which accumulate on any submerged surface, greatly increase drag, and reduce speed and fuel consumption of the vessel other mechanical damages have also been reported due to fouling. A variety of paints were developed in mid 1800s, which were generally based on copper oxide arsenic and mercuric oxide as popular antifoulants. Antifoulants are one of the many additives usually incorporated within the topcoat paint of marine protective coating system. Today’s marine coatings must provide protection and performance under extremely harsh conditions.

Keywords: Antifouling; Coating; Marine Coating; Environment; Paint; Toxic Substance.

 In the environment by various processes such as incomplete combustion of recent and fossil organic matter at higher temperatures, slow maturation of organic matter under geochemical gradient conditions. Most PNH inputs in the environment are linked to the anthropogenic activity that is generally considered to be the major source of these compounds. PNHs have different distribution patterns according to their production sources. In addition, physical–chemical properties of some PNHs, like chemical reactivity, can contribute to modify the original distribution pattern of the emission sources. PNHs in general are toxic, carcinogenic in many animals, act as anti-estrogens in mammals, and induce reproductive toxicity in women. Degradation is the most common way to remove PNHs in the environment. PNHs partially dissolved in water tend to be adsorbed in suspended solids PNHs in water bodies can accumulate in fatty tissues of organisms through the food chain. Thus, it is imperative to understand the relative importance of pollutant emission sources for coastal air and watersheds.

Keywords: PNHS; Taps; Cops; Toxic; Carcinogenic.

 Psychotropic substance like Xylocaine used as anesthetic substance in surgical operations were detected and identified in cadaver material of two deceased died during operation. The present work describes the detection and identification of Xylocaine in cadaver materials by chemical colour tests, thin layer chromatographic and U.V. spectroscopy.

Keywords: Lignocaine; Lidocaine; TLC; U.V.

 Sindoor has been considered as auspicious and is put on the centre parting of the head (maang) by married women in India. Presently, most sindoor manufacturers use synthetic materials and dyes to make these products. In the present study an attempt has been made to determine the concentration of heavy metals especially lead and mercury in the sindoor samples. These sindoor samples were purchased from the local markets in two forms, i.e. in liquid and powder forms. The heavy metals were determined using ICP-OES. The results obtained in the study has been alarming specially in case of lead which was found to be as high as 382.3ppm in some powder sindoor brands and 34.6ppm in the liquid sindoor brands. Though meant for topical application this cosmetic product with excessively high content of lead can be taken as a storehouse for heavy metal toxicity which may take a dermal route for entry in to the human system causing serious health hazards.

Keywords: Sindoor; Lead; ICP-OES; Toxicity.

 The widespread use of lead causes accumulation results in poisoning known as plumbism. The acceptable reference range for lead in human beings is 25µg/dl. Present study shows the blood lead levels of South Delhi population. 5 ml of blood was taken and digested followed by analysis using trace metal analyser (TMA). The results obtained were further categorized onthe basis of sex and age. Out of 250 autopsies 77 were females having mean blood lead level 0.41 µg/dl while rest 173 weremales having mean blood lead level 16 µg/dl. According to age-wise distribution the highest mean blood lead level is found in the age group of 41-60 years i.e. 20.73 µg/dl.

Keywords: Lead; TMA; Blood; Microwave Digestor; Poisoning