Ricin is a poison made from the waste left over from processing castor beans. It can be found in the form of a powder, mist or pellet.

It will take a deliberate act to make ricin and use it to poison people. You can be exposed to it through breathing in the mist or powder or swallowing ricin-contaminated water or food. Pellets of ricin, or ricin dissolved in a liquid, can be injected into a person’s body.

The initial symptoms of ricin poisoning will depend on the route and the amount of poison received. The timeline may range from less than 6 hours due to ingestion to 8 hours due to inhalation. Ricin poisoning is not contagious. It cannot be spread from person to person through casual contact.

If the skin or eyes are exposed to ricin powder or mist, redness and pain can occur. If inhaled, you may experience symptoms of a fever, cough, nausea, and tightness in the chest. If ingested, you may exhibit vomiting and bloody diarrhea, severe dehydration, low blood pressure, hallucinations, seizures, and blood in the urine. Death from ricin poisoning can take place within 36 to 72 hours of exposure; it will depend on the route and the length of time exposed. If death has not occurred in 3 to 5 days, you may recover.

If you are near a release of ricin, your local authorities may tell you to either evacuate the area or "shelter in place" inside a building to avoid being exposed. If you think you have been exposed, move quickly to an area where fresh air is available. Remove your clothing and quickly wash your entire body with soap and water. If your eyes are burning or your vision is blurred, rinse them with plain water for 10 to 15 minutes. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before rinsing your eyes. Place your contaminated clothes and contact lenses into a plastic bag and seal. Place the bag into a second plastic bag and seal. Call 911 right away for medical attention and removal of the contaminated items. Do not go to the hospital as you may become very ill on your way.

Regional Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)