[Present status of forensic analyses and possible approach for a rapid identification of toxins].

Abstract

Frequency of public harm that associated with hazardous chemicals has been increasing in the last several years. These incidents involve nerve gas attacks on Matsumoto-city and on the subways in central Tokyo, doping in sports, amphetamines abuse problem among adolescent boys and girls, potential health risks due to a contamination of environment by endocrine disrupters, and scheduled contamination of foods and drinks by several toxic compounds. US government has learnt from unexpected Sarin-affairs in Japan, and fast-track defensive action has been taken in the USA for a better safe of general public. The Japanese system for forensic analyses consists of a number of in-organizational laboratories that founded in each individual universities, hospitals and police offices etc. Such system allows laboratories to fit regional requirements and to achieve highly professional outcome on a specific area depending on their scientific interests. On the other hand, such situation sometime can cause difficulty in timely identification of certain compounds, which are not frequently analyzed in their laboratories. This paper refers to the possible bottlenecks, critical points and key success factors for a rapid identification of toxins. Two stage testing systems, namely, a) simple rapid examination such as one-step specific immunoassays for on-site emergency testing, and b) following conclusive identification of the compounds in the nearest expert laboratories seemed to be effective and practical corrective measures for the problems that were focused in the recent crises. Documentation of the course of action to be taken in case of emergency, improved supply system of reference standards, circulation of information through the Internet mailing list or other communication infrastructures, use of quality control program, and financial supporting of other educational programs for analyses, may improve the situation.