Arsenic poisoning homicide

Belluck, D.A., Benjamin, S.L., Baveye, P. et al. (2003) Widespread arsenic contamination of soils in residential areas and public spaces an emerging regulatory or medical crisis . International Journal of Toxicology, 22(2), 109-28. Bollinger, C.T., van Zijl, P. and Louw, J.A. (1992) Multiple organ failure with the adult respiratory distress syndrome in homicidal arsenic poisoning. Respiration, 59, 57-61. 

The most popular era for homicidal arsenic poisoning occurred prior to the development of modern, accurate chemical analysis techniques. However, up-to-date information on the relative concentrations of arsenic in tissue samples is available in a number of cases of industrial, suicidal and homicidal exposure to arsenic. 

This element, perhaps more than any other, has long been associated with poisoning, especially of the homicidal and suicidal type. Thus Agatha Christie called one of her plays Arsenic and Old Lace and the author Gustave Flaubert had his character Emma Bovary use an arsenic compound to commit suicide in the novel Madame Bovary. This aspect of arsenic poisoning will be discussed in more detail in Chapter 9 (pp. 221-2). 

Bollinger, C.T., Van, Z.P., Louw, J.A. (1992). Multiple organ failure with the adult respiratory distress syndrome in homicidal arsenic poisoning. Respiration 59 57-61. 

Arsenic and all of its compounds are poisonous. Subacute arsenic poisoning usually occurs when a victim is exposed to amounts of arsenic sufficient to cause symptoms but inadequate to make the victim collapse immediately. The victim may go weeks with gradually increasing signs and symptoms related to several organ systems and giving the appearance of a progressive chronic disease state. If death occurs it appears to be due to a natural disease. This appearance has contributed to the popularity of arsenic in homicides. 

Arsenic has a long history as a poison. Its applications include (or have included) antimicrobials, herbicides, insecticides and rodenticides (and homicides). Arsenicals (as... 

Arsenic has a long history as a poison. Its applications include (or have included) antimicrobials, herbicides, insecticides and rodenticides (and homicides). Arsenicals (as well as antimony and bismuth compounds) have been used clinically in protozoal, venereal and neoplastic diseases. In World War I, arsenicals were used as chemical warfare agents (see References 1-21 and references cited therein). 

It will rarely happen that in a case of suspected homicidal poisoning by arsenic, or by other poisons, the physician in charge will be willing or competent to conduct the chemical analyBis upon which probably the conviction or acquittal of the accused will mainly depend. Upon his knowledge and care, however, the success or futility of the chemist s labors depend in a great measure. 

Another use for arsenic is as a poison, sometimes for good in the cases of pesticides and insecticides and sometimes for bad in the cases of chemical warfare and homicides. As a chemical warfare agent, arsenic s role as a rainbow herbicide is most likely the most horrific. Similar to the well-known Agent Orange, Agent Blue (another rainbow herbicide) was a chemical used in the Vietnam war to destroy plants, serving to both destroy the enemies ... 

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