Ricin
Ricin Production And Use As A Biological Weapon
Ricin comes from castor beans, which produce castor oil, a component of brake fluid and hydraulic fluid. One million tons of castor beans are processed each year and the resulting waste mash contains 5–10% Ricin. The 66,000 Dalton protein can be purified from the mash using chromatography. Once purified, Ricin is a very stable molecule, able to withstand changes in environmental conditions.
Ricin is considered moderately threatening as a biological warfare agent. Although it is environmentally stable, relatively easy to obtain, highly toxic, and has no vaccine, it is not communicable like other biological agents such as anthrax and smallpox. Ricin is most often considered a threat as a food or water contaminant. A large amount would be required to cover a significant area.
See also Bioterrorism.
Resources
Books
Haugen, David M., ed. Biological and Chemical Weapons. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, Inc., 2001.
Sifton, David W., ed. PDR Guide to Biological and Chemical Warfare Response. Montvale, NJ: Thompson/Physician's Desk Reference, 2002.
Wise, David. Cassidy's Run: The Secret Spy War over Nerve Gas. New York: Random House, Inc., 2000.
Other
Animal Science at Cornell University. "Ricin Toxin from Castor Bean Plant" [cited February 5, 2003]. <http://www.ansi.cornell.edu/plants/toxicagents/Ricin/Ricin.htm>.
Medical NBC Online. "Ricin" [cited February 5, 2003]. <http://www.nbc-med.org/SiteContent/RedRef/OnlineRef/FieldManuals/medman/Ricin.htm>.
Mirarchi, Ferdinando L., eMedicine. "Ricin" [cited February 5, 2003]. <http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic889.htm>.
Juli Berwald
Additional topics
Science EncyclopediaScience & Philosophy: Revaluation of values: to Sarin Gas - History And Global Production Of SarinRicin - Chemical Structure And Pathological Pathway, Ricin Poisoning, Ricin Production And Use As A Biological Weapon