Poison Study

In lab, we were given six stations to complete, each with three solutions potentially containing a poison. We had to test each solution with a chemical that would cause a specific reaction, indicating the presence of a poison. Each poison was identified by unique characteristics that could be found in the solution after the addition of a chemical or color- indicator.

Results Sheet with Lab Data

Station 1: Asprin  

Must have: pH below 7 and BTB must turn yellow

Solution 1: pH of 2 and BTB turned yellow (indicating an acid)

Solution 2: pH of 8 and BTB turned blue (indicating a base)

Solution 3: pH of 6 and BTB turned green (indicating neutral solution)

Station 2: Cyanide

Petri Dish with Cyanide tested solutions
(P.S. I have no idea who wrote on the notecard)

Turns blood red when Fe (+3) is added 

Solution 1: No color change

Solution 2: Blood red

Solution 3: No color change

Station 3: Iodine



Station materials for Iodine Testing

Turns Blue/Black when starch is added

Solution 1: No color change (stayed yellow)

Solution 2: No color change (stayed red)

Solution 3: Blue/Black (from colorless)

Solutions after testing

Station materials for Metal Poison Testing

Station 4 : Metal Poisons

Indications are:

1) +Cr = orange when acidified

2) +Pb = yellow precipitate when KI is added

3) +Fe = blood red when KSCN is added

Solution 1: Contains no Cr but does contain Pb

Solution 2: Contains no Cr but does contain Fe

Solution 3: Contains no Cr, Fe, or Pb

 Solutions After Testing (We Double Checked them)

Station materials for Sugar Testing

Station 5: Sugar

 When Benedict Solution is added, a purple color will form

Solutions 1,2, and 3 contain no sugar (all remained colorless)

Solutions After Testing

Station materials for Household Ammonia Testing

Station 6: Household Ammonia

Indicators include:

1) Odor

2) pH above 7

3) pHth is pink purle in solution (indicating basic solution)

Solution 1: pH of 11 and pHth turns pink

Solution 2: pH of 8 and pHth has no effect

Solution 3: pH of 8 and pHth has no effect

Solution After Testing

Definition of Poison: A substance that, when introduced into or absorbed by a living organism, causes death or injury,   esp. one that kills by rapid action.

Common Poison Sources:

      -     Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas which is odorless.

-          Food poisoning is caused by bacteria in foods.



Poisonous Spider



-          Household products are poisonous if eaten or drunk.

     There are many products lining the shelves of the

     supermarket that are designed to improve health,

-          hygiene and a sense of comfort. They can be harmful

      if not used properly.

-          Bites from insects or spiders can be poisonous.

-          Medicines used incorrectly can be dangerous.

-          Plants can be poisonous if eaten or touched.


Food Poisoning Bacteria



How do Crime Labs handle poison cases? What are some signs of poisoning? 

Evidences of poisoning could be bruises (injection site), changes in skin color, dilated pupils, foaming at mouth, internal bleeding, increased heart rate, and rapid breathing. Crime labs search for these evidences using various chemical tests. Toxicology staff members analyze biological samples for the presence of drugs, poisons and other toxins. Scientists often assist coroners in determining the cause of death. They also check for evidence of drug abuse by people on parole or probation.

Symptoms of Poisoning

        Some poisons enlarge the pupils, while others shrink them.

        Some result in excessive drooling, while others dry the mouth and skin.

        Some speed the heart, while others slow the heart.

        Some increase the breathing rate, while others slow it.

        Some cause pain, while others are painless.

        Some cause hyperactivity, while others cause drowsiness. Confusion is often seen with these symptoms.