Introductory Chapter: Linkages Between Clinical and Forensic Toxicology

Abstract

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter Overview on interconnections between sciences and professionals in case of poisoningPoisoning, whether acute or chronic, and whether accidental or deliberate, is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. International data gathered by the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest that at least an estimated over 100.000 people died worldwide from poisoning every year [1]. Of the factors contributing to this high loss of lives, is the misdiagnosing of poisoning due to lack of qualiied personnel and lack of appropriate medical equipment for conducting relevant investigations.Strictly speaking studying poisoning incidents, how they occur, their symptoms and signs, the toxic agents involved, the diagnosis and management thereof as well as the outcomes of treatment, is a multi-disciplinary endeavour that requires skills and competences in injury epidemiology, clinical and forensic, or analytical toxicology.