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The facts about ricin

Infection Control Monitor, February 19, 2004

The February 2 discovery of ricin in a Senate building led to much concern on Capitol Hill, but the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) provides some basics about the toxic substance.

Ricin is a toxic protein made from castor beans. Although it has some medical uses for cancer treatment, ricin is dangerous if inhaled, ingested, or injected.

Initial symptoms of ricin exposure may be difficult for healthcare professionals to diagnose if exposure is not suspected. Death can occur within 36 to 72 hours, depending on the exposure.

If inhaled, symptoms may occur within eight hours and may include respiratory distress, fever, cough, nausea, chest tightness, and sore muscles. Low blood pressure and respiratory failure may eventually lead to death.

If ingested, symptoms typically occur within six hours and the patient would experience vomiting and diarrhea that may become bloody. This could lead to severe dehydration and low blood pressure. Other signs and symptoms may include hallucination, seizures, and blood in the urine. Within days, liver, spleen, and kidneys may cease to work and cause death.

Showing signs and symptoms doesn't necessarily mean that a person has been exposed to ricin. If death has not occurred within three to five days, victims usually recover.

Treatment is supportive and depends on how the victim was poisoned. If skin and eyes are exposed, decontaminate skin by applying for 15 minutes copious amounts of soap and water and/or a weak bleach solution (0.1% sodium hypochlorite). Then flush with water or sterile saline solution.

If clothes are exposed to ricin, remove clothing quickly but carefully. Any clothing that must be pulled over the head should be cut off instead. Place clothing in a sealed plastic bag to avoid contaminating others and secure as evidence. Individuals willing to help a ricin victim should wear a protective barrier such as latex gloves to avoid self-contamination.

If inhaled, get fresh air by moving out of the area where ricin was released and seek medical attention immediately. If ingested or injected, seek medical attention immediately.

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