Analytical chemistry contributing to crisis management in poisoning cases

Abstract

Outbreaks of large-scale poisoning cases that cause of poisoning were not elucidated at the first time, such as the 1998 Wakayama Poisoned Curry Incident. This threatens safe and secure society, and administrative countermeasure against such poisoning cases should be performed appropriately. How and what should we analytical chemists contribute to crisis management in poisoning cases? The author has engaged in the research and development of the analysis, metabolism and toxicity of volatile toxic substances, such as cyanide and related forensic investigation, as well as the training and guidance for examiners of prefectural police headquarter forensic science laboratories. In 1998, the author performed a forensic investigation on serial-poisoning incidents that occurred during the second half of 1998. In this review article, outlines of the poisoning cases and related forensic investigations in which the author was engaged, and the issues in the consequence management are raised. Then, the matters to notice for analytical chemists in engaging in forensic investigations in poisoning cases are stated, especially concerning the strategy for establishing a poison detection-and-identification system, and pitfalls related to postmortem poison alteration. © 2007 The Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry.