Poison Analysis Activity

In this activity, we were given six examples of poison. We also were tasked with defining poison, finding common sources, and finding the effects (or traces) of poison on a person.

Research Results

• What is the definition of a poison?
• A substance that causes a harm (injury, sickness, or death) when introduced to a living organism. They can cause harm either rapidly or slowly. 
• What are some common sources of poison?
• Food poisoning
• Medication
• Venom (snakes, scorpions, etc...)
• Sugar (for diabetics)
• Iodine (for people with thyroid problems)
• Common household chemicals (bleach, etc)
• Cyanide
• Certain gases (chloride, etc)
• Pesticides
• What are some signs of a poisoning?
• Dilated pupils
• Discoloration of skin
• Excessive drooling
• Vomiting (if victim is still alive)
• Increased heart/breathing rate
• Hallucinations
• Drowsiness or hyperactivity
• How do forensic scientists deal with poisoning?
• Forensic scientists can use several different chemicals to test for the presence of poisons, including:
• KI to test for lead
• Starch to test for iodine
• Acid to test for chromate
• KSCN to test for iron

Activity Results

Station 1: Metals
When ingested or dissolved into the bloodstream, these metals can be fatal.

	.5 M KSCN	KI	Acid
Test 1	Negative	Positive for Lead	Negative
Test 2	Positive for Iron	Negative	Negative
Test 3	Negative	Negative	Negative

Station 2: Sugars
Can cause great harm when ingested in large amounts to diabetics.

	1	2	3
Benedict Solution	Negative	Negative	Negative

(Since all tests were negative, we suspect a faulty Benedict solution or the sugar samples were too diluted)

Station 3: Ammonia
A common household chemical that can cause unconsciousness and even fatality when combined with bleach.

	Odor	pH > 7	PHTH turns purple/pink
Test 1	Positive	Positive(11)	Positive
Test 2	Negative	Positive (8.5)	Negative
Test 3	Negative	Positive (8.5)	Negative

Station 4: Aspirin
When taken in large amounts, this common medicine can cause much harm.

	pH <7	BTB turns yellow
Test 1	Positive (5)	Negative
Test 2	Positive (6)	Negative
Test 3	Positive (2)	Positive

This common medicine, usually used to cure headaches, can quickly turn to poison.

Station 5: Cyanide
Causes harm to everyone when ingested

	Turns red with FE+3
Test 1	Negative
Test 2	Negative
Test 3	Positive

Station 6: Iodine
Causes harm to people with thyroid problems

	Blue w/ Starch
Test 1	Negative
Test 2	Negative
Test 3	Positive

When iodine is applied to a cut potato, where starch is plentiful, the affected areas of the potato will turn inky blue/black.