Ricin is a potent toxin naturally occurring in castor beans. While ingesting whole castor beans can release ricin and cause harm, the substance is more concerning when extracted and concentrated. Ricin can exist as a powder, mist, or pellet, soluble in water or weak acid, making it a versatile threat. It is relatively stable under normal conditions, but its toxicity diminishes at temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Celsius (176 degrees Fahrenheit).
Where is Ricin Found?
Castor beans, the source of ricin, are globally processed to produce castor oil. Ricin is a byproduct, specifically found within the waste “mash” remaining after oil extraction. Beyond its presence in castor bean processing, ricin has seen limited experimental use in medicine for its potential to target and kill cancer cells.
The United States military explored ricin as a potential warfare agent in the 1940s. There are also unconfirmed reports suggesting its possible use as a warfare agent in Iraq during the 1980s. More recently, concerns have arisen regarding the potential use of ricin by terrorist organizations.
How Ricin Works: A Cellular Assault
Ricin’s mechanism of action involves entering the body’s cells and disrupting their ability to synthesize essential proteins. This protein synthesis inhibition leads to cell death.
As cells die, the effects become systemic, ultimately leading to organ failure and potentially death. The speed of ricin poisoning depends greatly on the dose received and the method of exposure.
Signs and Symptoms of Ricin Poisoning
The severity and type of symptoms resulting from ricin poisoning vary depending on the amount of exposure and how the toxin entered the body. In severe cases, multiple organs can be affected. Death may occur within 36 to 72 hours, depending on the dosage and exposure route. The primary routes of exposure are inhalation, ingestion, and injection.
Inhaling Ricin
Symptoms of ricin inhalation can appear as early as 4 to 8 hours post-exposure, but may be delayed up to 24 hours.
Early symptoms may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Cough
- Nausea
- Chest tightness
These symptoms can quickly escalate to:
- Heavy sweating
- Fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema), diagnosed via X-ray or stethoscope
- Cyanosis (blue skin)
- Low blood pressure
- Respiratory failure
These severe symptoms can be fatal. If you suspect ricin exposure and experience breathing difficulties, immediately seek medical attention.
Swallowing Ricin
Ingestion of ricin typically results in symptoms within 10 hours.
Common symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (potentially bloody)
- Severe dehydration
- Low blood pressure
Additional signs and symptoms may include:
- Seizures
- Blood in the urine
- Liver, spleen, and kidney failure
These symptoms can be fatal.
Skin and Eye Exposure
Ricin is unlikely to be absorbed through intact skin. However, contact with ricin powders or solutions can cause redness and pain on the skin and in the eyes.
Understanding Ricin Exposure
Ricin poisoning is not contagious. Accidental exposure is unlikely but can occur through the ingestion of castor beans or exposure to contaminated materials.
Exposure could result from contact with a person who has ricin on their body or clothing.
Ricin could potentially be weaponized as a purified material or used as a warfare/terrorist agent. If this were to happen, ricin could be used to expose populations through air, food, or water contamination.
A notable case involves the 1978 assassination of Georgi Markov, a Bulgarian writer and journalist living in London. He was attacked with an umbrella modified to inject a ricin pellet under his skin.
What to Do in Case of Ricin Exposure
Evacuate or Shelter in Place
If you suspect ricin exposure, immediately seek fresh air by leaving the contaminated area. If the release occurred outdoors, move away from the affected region. If it happened indoors, evacuate the building.
If You Suspect Exposure
Remove your clothing, thoroughly wash your body, and seek medical care as quickly as possible. If you swallowed ricin, do not induce vomiting or drink fluids. Call 911 immediately and explain the situation.
Clothing Removal
Remove clothing as quickly as possible, cutting it off rather than pulling it over the head. If assisting others, avoid contact with potentially contaminated areas of clothing.
Washing
Wash all exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water. This helps remove any chemicals from your body.
If your eyes are burning or your vision is blurred, rinse them with plain water for 10 to 15 minutes.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them and place them in the same bag as your contaminated clothing. Do not reinsert them, even if they are not disposable.
Clean eyeglasses with soap and water before wearing them again.
Clothing Disposal
Place contaminated clothing inside a plastic bag, avoiding contact with potentially contaminated areas. If unavoidable, wear rubber gloves or use tongs, tool handles, or sticks to handle the clothing.
Anything that comes into contact with the dirty clothing should also be placed in the bag, including contact lenses.
Seal the bag and place it inside a second plastic bag. This double-bagging process protects you and others from potential chemical contamination.
Inform the local or state health department or emergency response team about the disposal of your clothing upon their arrival. They will handle further disposal procedures. Do not handle the plastic bags yourself.
Response by Authorities
A potential indicator of ricin poisoning is a cluster of individuals in close proximity displaying similar symptoms.
Authorities will conduct environmental testing to detect ricin in powders or materials released into the environment. Individuals in affected areas may also be monitored for signs of ricin poisoning.
The CDC can conduct temporary urinary ricinine testing. Urinary ricinine is an alkaloid found in the castor bean plant. This testing is available at the CDC and the Laboratory Response Network (LRN).
Treatment for Ricin Poisoning
Currently, there is no specific antidote for ricin poisoning. The priority is preventing exposure. If exposure occurs, immediate action to remove the ricin from the body is crucial.
Supportive medical care is provided to mitigate the effects of ricin poisoning. The nature of this care depends on the exposure route (inhalation, ingestion, or skin/eye contact).
Supportive care may include:
- Assisted ventilation to aid breathing
- Intravenous fluids to combat dehydration
- Medications to manage seizures and low blood pressure
- Activated charcoal administration (if ricin was recently ingested)
- Eye irrigation for eye irritation
Additional Information Resources
For further information, contact:
- Regional Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Response Hotline
- Phone: 800-CDC-INFO
- Teletypewriter (TTY): 888-232-6348
- Email inquiries: [email protected]
