2. 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.
3.
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.
4.
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.
5.
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.
6.
Only a few hours after inhalation
Severe lung damage
Respiratory distress
Fluid in the lungs
Cough
Fever
Nausea
Tightness in chest
7.
Bloody vomit and stool
Severe dehydration
Fever
Hallucinations
Seizures
Cramping
Potential liver, spleen and kidney failure
9. 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.
10.
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!
11.
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.
12.
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.
13.
The best way to be prepared in a incident of
ricin is for everyone involved to have
knowledge and information.
Have a plan!
14.
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
15.
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
16.
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 within3672 hours after exposure, depending on the
route and amount of the toxin victim is
exposed to.
Recovery rate increases greatly after surviving
five days.
