What is it

Ricin is a naturally occurring substance that can be isolated and used as a toxin. It is found in the castor plant, which is grown agriculturally worldwide and grows in the wild in parts of the United States. Castor beans are used to make castor oil, a digestive agent as well as a component of brake and hydraulic fluids. When castor beans are made into castor oil, the ricin is discarded.

Ricin can be easily and inexpensively produced. It must be inhaled, ingested or injected to be an effective toxin.

Ricin gets inside cells and prevents them from making needed proteins, leading to organ and system failure.

A stable substance not affected by extremely hot or cold temperatures, ricin can be used to contaminate food or water supplies.

In the case of injection, ricin detection is difficult. In 1978, it was used to kill Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov. A ricin-coated pellet was injected into his leg using a specially equipped umbrella. He died three days later.

Even a tiny amount of ricin is toxic. 70 micrograms - the amount of a grain of salt - is enough to kill an adult. It is said that just one castor bean can kill a child.

Even a tiny amount of ricin is toxic. 70 micrograms - the amount of a grain of salt - is enough to kill an adult. It is said that just one castor bean can kill a child.

Because no antidote exists for ricin, the most important factor is avoiding ricin exposure in the first place. If exposure cannot be avoided, the most important factor is then getting the ricin off or out of the body as quickly as possible. Ricin poisoning is treated by giving victims supportive medical care to minimize the effects of the poisoning.

Syntoms

Symptoms may appear in less than an hour or may not appear for several days after exposure.

Inhaled or injected ricin may cause respiratory problems, chest pain weakness, fever, cough, cyanosis (blue skin) and pulmonary edema within 24 hours of exposure. Severe respiratory distress and death may occur in 36 to 72 hours.

Ingested ricin may cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, internal bleeding, liver and kidney failure, and gastroenteritis. The heart rate may be rapid.

Injected ricin may cause tissue damage near the injection site as well as multiple organ failure.

Ricin also can affect the central nervous system, causing seizures.

Testing

There are no reliable tests to determine environmental ricin exposure.

Recovery Potential

All methods of exposure are dangerous and may be fatal. After five days without complications, an exposed person will probably not die.

Prevention/Treatment

Using a respiratory mask may help prevent inhalation of ricin. It is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.

Because no antidote exists for ricin, the most important factor is avoiding ricin exposure in the first place. If exposure cannot be avoided, the most important factor is then getting the ricin off or out of the body as quickly as possible. Ricin poisoning is treated by giving victims supportive medical care to minimize the effects of the poisoning.

Environmental Cleanup

If available , use a 0.5 percent sodium hypochlorite solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) for a contact time of 15 minutes. Do not pour this solution into the eyes or use it for spinal cord injuries. It can be poured onto noncavity wounds and then removed via suction into disposable containers.

As an alternative, hot water and large amounts of soap may be used to decontaminate skin surfaces.