Ricin Toxin

Ricin toxin, found in the bean of the castor plant, Ricinis communis, is one of the most toxic and easily produced plant toxins. Ricinis communis was originally cultivated in ancient Egypt as a lubricant and laxative. Today, castor beans are used to produce castor oil, a brake and hydraulic fluid constituent that can be found throughout the world. Waste from the commercial production of castor oil contains 50 percent ricin. Because of its relatively high toxicity and its ease of production, ricin was studied and developed as a biological weapon by the United States during World War I and World War II. More recently, the toxin has found its way into the arsenals of extremist individuals, groups, and governments.

Toxic reactions to ricin occur from three exposure routes: inhalation, oral ingestion, and injection. Although still very dangerous, oral ingestion is the least toxic of the three. Inhaling ricin would likely produce symptoms, including fever, cough, nausea, and respiratory failure, within 8 hours. Depending on the dose, death will occur within 36–72 hours after exposure. Unfortunately, no specific vaccines are available to prevent ricin poisoning, and no antidotes are available to counter it.

Related Resources

Facts About Ricin (Fact Sheet) (PDF)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, October 2003

Recognition, Management & Surveillance of Ricin-Associated Illness (Web Cast)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, December 30, 2003

Laboratory Testing for Ricin in Environmental Samples (Fact Sheet)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, November 2003

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