Toxicity is based on the number of exposures to a poison and the time it takes for toxic symptoms to develop. These differing manifestations of poisoning mean that a forensic investigator must be familiar with the spectrum of possible poison hazards and their toxic effects. The enzyme is very widespread in the body, and thus many varied effects are seen.

It inactivates a particular enzyme that functions in communication between nerves. Another example of the latter is an insecticide called Parathion. With some poisons only a particular region or organ may be damaged, while other poisons, such as a bacterial toxin that can circulate in the bloodstream, may have more general effects. Examples of this can include increased heart rate, excessive sweating, and decreased (or completely stopped) breath. This change can involve the speed of a function. The hallmark of a poison is the change elicited in a body function. As touched on above, these adverse effects can range from slight symptoms such as headaches or nausea to severe symptoms such as coma, convulsions, and death.

Toxicity is a general term used to indicate adverse effects produced by poisons. These and other poisons can become an important focus of a forensic examination that seeks to determine the cause of an illness or death.Ī poison is a compound that produces a deleterious change on or in the body. coli designated O157:H7 produces a toxin that can permanently disable the kidneys. Other toxins produced by bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae can damage the cells lining the intestinal tract. Amphetamines, barbiturates, and botulinum toxin debilitate the nervous system, for example. A variety of chemical and biological compounds can damage tissues, organs, and organs systems of the body.

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