Where does ricin come from?
It is found in all parts of the castor bean plant but is concentrated in the beans and in the mash left over after the beans are processed to make castor oil. Castor oil, which does not contain ricin, is used in making lubricants, paints and varnishes and is an old-time remedy for constipation. The plants are commonly used in gardens and grow like weeds along riverbanks and stream beds in the southwestern USA. Q: How does someone get exposed to ricin? A: It can be turned into a powder, mist or pellet. It also can be dissolved in water. Ricin can be inhaled, ingested in food or water, or injected. It can also cause skin irritation or rash when it comes in contact with skin. Workers in castor oil manufacturing facilities have had such skin exposures. No ricin deaths are known to have been reported in recent years. Q: How is ricin poisoning treated? A: There is no antidote, so doctors provide breathing assistance, intravenous fluids and other supportive care. For ingested ricin, doctors c
