RICIN DECONTAMINATION

Ricin Decontamination

Ricin Decontamination

Ricin

This biological toxin is derived from plant Ricinus communis, commonly known as castor bean. After inhalation exposure, victims may experience fever, weakness, and cough, followed by hypotension and cardiovascular collapse. There is no available antitoxin. Treatment is supportive care only (Assad 1996). Also, there is no available vaccine or other chemo-prophylactic agent.

Decontamination

In many respects, emergency response systems and health care facilities will need to respond to the hazardous Ricin incident in same fashion as the WMD chemical attack. Same principles regarding triage, decontamination, and allocation of resources that shape disaster plans related to hazardous materials will go into ...