Analysis of heavy metals in pure and non pure narcotic drugs by physical and chemical methods

Introduction: Impurities in narcotic illicit drugs exist and can cause acute or chronic toxicity in abusers. Heavy metals such as, As, Pb, Fe, Zn and Cu can act as metallic poisons in these circumstances. Toxic metals in opium, heroin and hashish are very important in forensic and clinical toxicology. The aim of this study was measuring these impurities in narcotics available in illicit markets in Iran by physical and chemical methods. Materials Methods: In this study, we used X-ray fluorescence to recognize metallic elements in narcotic drugs and atomic absorption spectrometry, atomic emission spectrometry and atomic hydride generation spectrometry for measuring their concentration.Results: We found excessive amounts of toxic elements e.g. As, Pb, Fe, Cu and Zn and nontoxic ones like K, Ca in studied materials. Concentration of these elements and their proportions were determined. Conclusion: After consumption of narcotic some impurities would enter their bodies and can cause toxicity. By comparing normal concentrations of these elements in body and with regards to measured concentrations, we can diagnose acute or chronic toxicity of these elements after narcotic abuse.