If you are fascinated by the effects chemicals can have on the human body, this may be the career for you. Forensic toxicologists perform scientific tests on bodily fluids and tissue samples to identify any drugs or chemicals present in the body. Working in a lab, the forensic toxicologist performs tests on samples collected by forensic pathologists during an autopsy or by crime scene investigators. They use highly sophisticated instruments, chemical reagents and precise methodologies to determine the presence or absence of specific substances in the sample.
As part of a team investigating a crime, a forensic toxicologist will isolate and identify any substances in the body that may have contributed to the crime, such as:
- Alcohol
- Illegal or prescription drugs
- Other chemicals
- Poisons
- Metals
- Gases, such as carbon monoxide
The work requires patience and the ability to follow specific steps to achieve reliable results. The forensic toxicologist must document every step of the process and take care to follow rules regarding chain of custody for physical evidence.
The field of forensic toxicology has grown to include drug and alcohol testing for employers and traffic enforcement officials as well as testing animal samples for wildlife criminal investigators and testing for “date rape” drugs and performance-enhancing substances.
Forensic toxicologists also work on cases involving environmental contamination, to determine the impact of chemical spills on nearby populations.
Investigators rely on the forensic toxicologist to make reliable conclusions about the impact a specific amount of a specific substance would have on a specific individual. Often, this requires the professional to form an educated opinion based on science and experience.
If asked to testify in court, the forensic toxicologist must be prepared to justify that opinion and to explain complex methodologies in terms a jury can understand.
Working Conditions
Most forensic toxicologists work in labs run by law enforcement agencies, medical examiners or private drug testing facilities. They often must sit or stand for long periods of time. The tests they perform require very fine motor skills and a dogged commitment to following rigorous scientific protocols.
Working with bodily fluids and tissue samples can be messy and smelly. The forensic toxicologist is also exposed to details about crimes, which can be emotionally difficult.
The workload can be significant, and when the samples come from a crime scene, the pressure to perform tests faster can be strong. The forensic toxicologist must be able to resist this pressure, work efficiently without rushing and prioritize effectively.
Academic Requirements
Because the science of forensic toxicology is constantly advancing, it’s important that, if you are interested in this field, you enjoy learning. Keeping pace with new technologies, methodologies and chemicals demands constant learning.
A forensic toxicologist generally has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, clinical chemistry, pharmacology or another scientific field. Some universities now offer master’s degrees and doctoral degrees in forensic toxicology. Be sure that you choose a bachelor’s or master’s program in forensic science that is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).
Professionals who have several years of experience in the field can obtain certification from the American Board of Forensic Toxicology, the American Board of Clinical Chemistry and the American Board of Toxicology.
Resources
- American Academy of Forensic Science
- Society of Forensic Toxicology
- The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists