The DHS bulletin highlights recent cases that underscore the danger. In one example cited, a Colorado dentist was convicted of first-degree murder after slowly poisoning his wife. Prosecutors said he used a combination of arsenic, cyanide, and tetrahydrozoline — a chemical commonly found in eye drops.
Arsenic was allegedly mixed into the woman’s protein shakes. She was hospitalized three times within a 10-day span, suffering symptoms such as dizziness and headaches, before her condition worsened and she died. Police later reported that the dentist had purchased multiple poisons prior to her death.
DHS officials say similar incidents involving toxic substances in domestic settings have surfaced in other states, reinforcing concerns about public safety and investigative challenges.
The report identifies a recurring pattern in the substances used. Frequently cited toxins include antifreeze, eye drops containing tetrahydrozoline, fentanyl, cyanide, thallium, colchicine, veterinary barbiturates, and insulin. These substances are often chosen because they are relatively accessible and capable of mimicking natural illness.
Beyond the intended victim, DHS warns that chemical and biological toxins can pose broader risks. Contamination of air, surfaces, or water can expose children, neighbors, bystanders, and first responders to unintended harm. Emergency personnel may enter contaminated environments without proper protective gear, risking secondary exposure.
“If the trend of using chemical or biological toxins to kill or harm continues, we may see an increase in fatalities and long-term health consequences for survivors,” the bulletin cautions.
DHS is urging greater coordination, awareness, and improved detection and response capabilities as this form of domestic violence continues to evolve.
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