Toxicologia forense na investigação de intoxicações por agrotóxicos: métodos laboratoriais e aplicações diagnósticas

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:The introduction addresses the importance of forensic toxicology in the identification and investigation of pesticide poisoning, highlighting the impact of these compounds on public health and within medico-legal contexts. It emphasizes the role of laboratory methods in the detection and quantification of toxic substances, as well as their relevance for accurate diagnosis and the clarification of poisoning cases, particularly in situations of suspected intentional or accidental exposure. OBJECTIVES:To analyze scientific articles linking forensic toxicology and pesticide poisoning, aiming to understand how this field aids in case identification, diagnosis, and investigation.METHODOLOGY: This work was carried out through an narrative review, which aimed to gather and analyze studies published between 2021 and 2025 in the SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, and DeCS databases. Terms related to forensic toxicology and pesticide poisoning were used, combining words with Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to facilitate the search. After selecting the articles, they were organized and analyzed in an integrated way to better understand the laboratory methods used in forensic diagnosis.Results: Among 24 analyzed studies, most were literature reviews (11) emphasizing pesticide health impacts and the biomedical role. Six technical documents from institutions like Fiocruz and INCA highlighted monitoring system failures. Four case studies reported real, often fatal, poisonings demonstrating forensic toxicology’s practical application. Three experimental and epidemiological studies linked chemical compounds to serious diseases, underscoring science’s importance in preventing toxicological risks. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: This study highlighted the importance of laboratory methods in forensic toxicology for investigating pesticide poisonings, demonstrating that the use of modern and precise techniques is fundamental to obtaining reliable diagnoses. The narrative review of recent studies revealed that, although there are various available methods, the choice of the ideal technique depends on the type of sample, the pesticide involved, and the context of the investigation. It also reinforced the need for continuous updating of laboratories and professionals to keep pace with technological advances and ensure the effectiveness of toxicological exams.Thus, it is concluded that the proper application of laboratory methods not only contributes to clarifying poisoning cases but also strengthens the role of forensic toxicology within the justice system, promoting legal security and protecting public health.