What is Forensic Chemistry?

Chances are you’ve heard of forensic chemistry before, whether while watching your favorite crime documentary or you previously considered it as a branch of science. Forensic chemistry mainly consists of identifying unknown materials at a crime scene, analyzing fingerprints, and bodily fluids and other substances to help uncover what happened and why.

The role of a forensic chemist is paramount, especially when it comes to law enforcement and catching those responsible for committing a crime. The remainder of this blog post will discuss more on forensic chemistry, providing you insight into what these chemists do and how they work. 

Forensic chemistry involves lots of laboratory examinations 

One of the main roles of forensics involves laboratory examination, specifically analyzing objects, materials, and other fragments to provide clues to help with a criminal case.

Forensic chemists perform various chemical reactions and use reagents to understand data, assisting with their reports, and in some cases, recreating crime scenes to gain greater insight on what happened and why. 

Biological chemistry

A lot of forensics also includes biological chemistry, especially when first studying forensics. This is the study of living organisms, providing a solid base to later study and specialize.

Often, this is studied alongside forensic chemistry. However, it can also be studied separately beforehand, too. 

Forensic chemistry includes the trained use of chemicals

It’s no secret that forensic chemistry involves the use of chemicals. However, chemists are required to conduct various reactions and experiments. Furthermore, chemicals such as alcohol, bleach, and others are used to sterilize and clean equipment, preventing contamination and maintaining a clean and hygienic work environment. 

To conclude

The role of a forensic chemist consists of many different jobs. However, ultimately, their job is focused on supporting a crime scene, uncovering information, matching samples to substances, and analyzing other materials to help find those responsible for various crimes.

A forensic chemist often requires experience and a solid background in biological chemistry, experience with many, many different chemicals, and should have the motivation to help find those responsible for the crimes committed.

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