Ricin

Ricin is a by-product of the processing of Castor beans for oil. Castor beans grow wildly in arid parts of the United States. Naturally-occurring cases of ricin poisoning involve ingestion of castor beans and are marked by severe gastrointestinal symptoms, circulatory failure and death.

Possible Symptoms of Ricin Poisoning

• Fever, cough, difficulty breathing, nausea and chest tightness are followed by extreme sweating, skin turning blue, low blood pressure and finally respiratory failure and circulatory collapse.
• Symptoms will likely appear within eight hours of exposure by inhaling a small particle of aerosolized ricin.
• Time to death would likely be 36-72 hours, depending on the dose received.

How Can Ricin Be Spread?

• Ricin poisoning is not contagious.
• A person must be exposed to ricin by inhalation, ingestion or injection to be poisoned.

How To Treat Ricin

• No specific treatment exists.
• Supportive care should be provided to those suffering from ricin poisoning.

How Can Ricin Be Prevented?

• The diagnosis of ricin poisoning is largely based on symptoms and should be suspected when a large number of patients display similar symptoms. Failure to respond to antibiotics helps to differentiate ricin exposure from lung infections produced by bacterial agents.
• A blood antibody test exists but is not readily available.