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Safety and Health Topics |
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| Ricin |
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Ricin is a toxin that can be made from the waste left over from processing castor beans. It is one of the
most toxic and easily produced plant toxins. If injected, as little as 500 micrograms of ricin could be enough to kill an adult; some animal research
indicates that similar amounts could be lethal, if inhaled. A 500 microgram dose of ricin would be about the size of the head of a pin. Ricin has been used in
the past as a bioterrorist weapon and remains a serious threat.
The following questions link to information relevant to ricin in the workplace.
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What OSHA standards apply?
Standards | Preambles to Final Rules | Directives |
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What is ricin; does it pose a significant threat?
Ricin as a Weapon |
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What additional information is available?
Related Safety and Health Topics Pages | Other Resources |
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In Focus |
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