Environmental Toxicants in Forensic Entomology

Abstract

The fundament of toxicology is the risk-benefit analysis. Certain chemical exists in the environment that if ingested, even in minute quantities, may alter bodily functions, induce death and interfere with the rate of decomposition of dead bodies. Ancient cultures discovered and reported many naturally occurring toxins that have been used in medications, hunting, and wars. In China, Emperor Shen Nung (2700 B.C.) documented having experimented with toxicants and medicinal plants.