| Agent Name |
Ricin |
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| CAS Number |
9009-86-3 |
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| Major Category |
Biological Agents |
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| Synonyms |
Agent W; Castor Bean Lectin; Proteins, ricins; Proteins, specific or class, ricins; Ricin (Ricinus communis, seeds); Ricine; Ricins; Ricinus lectin; Ricinus toxin; [ChemIDplus] |
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| Category |
Biological Toxins |
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| Sources/Uses |
"Ricin is a poison that can be made from the waste left over from processing castor beans. It can be in the form of a powder, a mist, or a pellet, or it can be dissolved in water or weak acid. It is a stable substance." [CDC] |
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| Comments |
"Ricin is a potent biological toxin that is derived from castor beans. Its mechanism of action in the body is inhibition of protein synthesis. Clinical manifestations are dependent on the route of exposure. Ingestion of ricin typically leads to profuse vomiting and diarrhea followed by multisystem organ failure and possibly death within 36 to 72 hours of exposure. Inhalation of ricin typically leads to respiratory distress, fever, and cough followed by the development of pulmonary edema, hypotension, respiratory failure, and possibly death within 36 to 72 hours." [CDC] |
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| Reference Link |
CDC | Facts About Ricin |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Not evaluated |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Toxic Pneumonitis |
Yes |
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| Hepatotoxin |
Hepatotoxin, Secondary |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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