RICINBIOCHEMICAL DISASTER

What Is Ricin?

Ricin is a powerful protein toxin naturally found in castor beans.

It can be in the form of a pellet, powder, mist or can be dissolved in water, food or weak acids.

Per gram, it is 6,000 times more potent than cyanide.

Ricin is considered both a biological and chemical agent by the CDC.

Ricin in History

1940- US military experimented using Ricin as a warfare agent.

1978- Influential Bulgarian writer and journalist, Georgi Markov assassinated after being injected with Ricin by umbrella.

1981-present- 20 incidents of ricin have been reported in both the U.S. and Britain.

How does it happen?!

Ricin exposure can occur both intentionally and unintentionally.

Ricin infiltrates into the body’s cells. The toxins prevent the cell’s

ribosomes from making protein needed to survive.

Without sufficient protein the cells die causing major organ failure.

It is not contagious.

How much is deadly?

If injected, the amount the size of a head of a pin can kill you.

Much more would be needed to kill someone by Ingestion or inhalation.

There is no known antidote or cure. Medical treatment is for symptoms.

Signs & Symptoms: Inhalation

Only a few hours after inhalation Severe lung damage Respiratory distress Fluid in the lungs Cough Fever Nausea Tightness in chest

Signs & Symptoms: Ingestion

Bloody vomit and stool Severe dehydration Fever Hallucinations Seizures Cramping Potential liver, spleen and kidney

failure

Signs & Symptoms: Skin/ Eye Exposure

Redness Pain Irritation Fever Congestion Seizures Heart failure Coughing

Protect Yourself!

Do not touch, move, or open any suspicious packages or envelopes.

Isolate suspicious packages, envelopes or other items.

If exposed, remove clothing and wash exposed skin with soap and water.

seek medical attention immediately.

What happens next?

Any ricin incident should be treated as a terrorist/criminal incident until proven otherwise.

Notify the local law enforcement agency. Following initial response the FBI,

HAZMAT,DHS (Department of Homeland Security), HSOC (Homeland Security Operations Center), HHS (Human and Health Services), CDC,NRC (National

Response Center), and USPS will all be contacted.

WOAH THIS IS A SERIOUS THREAT!

Healthcare employees

Healthcare workers risk occupational exposures to ricin when a healthcare facility receives contaminated patients.

These healthcare facility employees, who may be termed first receivers, work at a site remote from the location where the hazardous substance release occurred.

This means that their exposures are limited to the substances transported to the healthcare facility on victims skin, hair, clothing, or personal effects.

How can first receivers be prepared?

Develop a Health and Safety Plan (HASP) in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

Develop a site-specific training program.

Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for ricin.

Establish a medical surveillance program for site workers.

Be Prepared!

The best way to be prepared in a incident of ricin is for everyone involved to have knowledge and information.

Have a plan!

Treating those exposed to Ricin Remember, there is no existing antidote. Provide supportive medical care to minimize

the effects. Type of supportive care is dependent on the

route of exposure and the degree of cellular disruption. Assist with breathing IV fluids Flush stomach Medications for seizures, blood pressure and pain Nutritional support

Possible nursing diagnosis

Ineffective Breathing Pattern Impaired Gas Exchange Risk for Aspiration Risk for Decreased Cardiac Output Risk for Deficient Fluid Volume Nausea Acute pain Anxiety Impaired Comfort Fear Knowledge Deficit Risk for Social Isolation And the list goes on

The good news!

Ricin is classified as a Category B agent, which means it can result in moderate morbidity rates and low mortality rates.

There is a good chance of survival! If death occurs it usually takes place

within36-72 hours after exposure, depending on the route and amount of the toxin victim is exposed to.

Recovery rate increases greatly after surviving five days.

References

  http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/ricin/facts.asp

  http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ershdb/EmergencyResponseCard_29750002.html

  http://www.ready.gov/biological-threats

http://www.medicinenet.com/ricin/article.htm 

emergency.cdc.gov/agent/ricin/pdf/ricin_protocol.pdf