ABSTRACT
Intentional, unintentional, and adverse reaction poisonings may be difficult to distinguish from one another. Inhaled poisons are poisons in a gaseous, atomized, or aerosol powder form that are breathed in and transmitted through the mucus lining of the respiratory system or through the alveoli. They may be accidentally inhaled in industrial accidents, or they may be used in the intentional exposure in homicide. For an inhaled poison, the investigator should ensure that the scene has been cleared of all toxic fumes prior to entry. Poisons in a solid, semisolid, or liquid form may be ingested, where they are absorbed through the mucus lining of the digestive tract. They may be intentionally ingested, accidentally ingested or intentionally administered. Poisonous spiders, fish, coral, and venomous spiders may all expose the victim to poison through their bite, envenomation, or contact with poisoned barbs.
