Castor oil is commonly used as a laxative and in skincare formulations. However, the byproduct of its production is one of the most toxic poisons in the world—ricin, named after the castor plant’s Latin name, Ricinus communis.
This article will provide information on Ricin, where it comes from, safety precautions, how to recognize poisoning symptoms, and how to proceed if exposed. It will also look at identifying the plant and its beans to ensure gardening and farming safety.
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What’s Ricin?
The castor plant has been around for millennia. Its beans, which are its seeds, have been squeezed for their oil since biblical times. The first record of castor oil comes from an Egyptian papyrus in 1550 BC.
While the castor plant has been cultivated for various uses, its seeds contain Ricin, a naturally occurring toxic protein. The toxic dose of Ricin varies based on factors such as individual sensitivity, method of exposure, and preparation. According to the CDC, even small amounts can be harmful if ingested or inhaled.
Reports suggest that ingesting even one castor bean may be harmful to children, while multiple beans could be toxic to adults. However, individual response varies, and medical attention is critical in any suspected exposure.
How Does Ricin Work?
Ricin is a potent biotoxin that disrupts cellular function by inhibiting protein synthesis.
Research suggests that even small amounts of Ricin can disrupt normal cellular processes by inhibiting protein synthesis.
Once the cellular breakdown begins, Ricin attacks the body’s primary organs and begins to shut them down, causing complete organ failure.
Recognizing Ricin Poisoning
Accidental ingestion of Ricin-containing castor beans can be dangerous, and immediate medical attention is essential.
Ricin poisoning has three distinct sets of symptoms based on how the toxin enters the body, including:
Ingestion:
- Vomiting and diarrhea that may be bloody
- Dehydration
- Low blood pressure
- Liver, spleen, and kidney failure
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Blood in the urine
Inhalation:
- Coughing
- Fever
- Chest tightness
- Difficulty breathing
- Fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
- Respiratory distress
Injection:
- Muscle and lymph node death near the injection site
- Massive bleeding in the stomach and intestines
- Multiple organ failure
If Ricin gets in a patient’s eyes, they can experience
- Contact redness and pain
- Inflammatory lesions
- Impaired vision
- Blindness.
Treating Ricin Exposure
Research continues to find an antidote for Ricin poisoning, such as using passive immunization with anti-Ricin neutralizing antibodies. However, currently, there is no FDA-approved antidote for Ricin poisoning. Treatment focuses on supportive care and symptom management, such as the following:
- Helping the victim breathe.
- Ventilating if necessary.
- Giving intravenous fluids.
- Using medications to treat symptoms such as seizures and low blood pressure.
Ricin exposure can be serious. Anyone who suspects exposure should call 911 immediately.
Healthcare providers can contact the CDC’s Ricin Hotline at (888) 246-2675 for guidance on suspected cases.
Patients who may have been exposed should follow this protocol:
- Call 911.
- Get away from the area as fast as possible.
- Get into fresh air.
- Remove all clothing that might have contacted Ricin and never pull clothes over the head. Cut clothing off if needed.
- Rinse exposed skin with a lot of soap and water.
- For burning eyes or blurry vision, rinse eyes with water for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses and put them with any exposed clothing. Wash eyeglasses with soap and water.
- Get rid of exposed clothing by sealing it in a plastic bag. Enclose that bag in another plastic bag and seal it as well. Don't touch the clothes when doing so. Use rubber gloves or tongs to handle exposed material. Inform emergency workers as to the location of the bag of clothes, but don't handle the bag yourself.
Medical teams receiving possible Ricin-exposed patients should follow proper emergency containment protocols, including full PPE use and isolation containment, including:
- Head protection, such as surgical caps or full gowns.
- Eye protection, such as goggles or face shields.
- Hand protection, such as surgical or procedural gloves.
- Respiratory protection, such as masks and respirators.
- Foot and leg protection, such as shoe covers or leggings.
- Body protection, such as gowns, surgical gowns, or full-body suits.
Preventing Ricin Exposure
While most people won’t come into close contact with castor plants, they do occasionally appear in home gardens or landscaping. Because these plants contain ricin, simple precautions are important if you have them on your property.
Always keep castor plants and their beans out of reach of children and pets, and wear gloves when handling or weeding around them. Trimming flowering spikes can help prevent bean production, and avoid crushing, chewing, or consuming castor beans, as conventional cooking does not reliably eliminate ricin.
By taking these steps, you can enjoy any ornamental appeal of castor plants safely and reduce the risk of accidental exposure.
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Key Takeaways
- Ricin is highly toxic, deadly in small amounts, can cause organ failure, and has no FDA-approved antidote. It comes from castor beans.
- Castor Plants are used in gardens and industry for castor oil, but handling them can be dangerous.
- If You Suspect Ricin Exposure: Call 911, leave the area, remove contaminated clothing (avoid pulling it over your head), and thoroughly wash exposed skin with soap and water.
Healthcare professionals should follow CDC and emergency response guidelines for suspected Ricin exposure. The more correct information is shared and understood, the safer communities are from accidental exposures.
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