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Department of Health  Public Health Preparedness Home > Chemical
Agents > Ricin Facts About Ricin  What is ricin?    • It is a
stable substance. For example, it is not affected much by
extreme conditions such as very hot or very cold temperatures.
Where is ricin found, and how is it used?    • Castor beans are
processed throughout the world to make castor oil. Ricin is part
of the waste “mash” produced when castor oil is made. Amateurs
can make ricin from castor beans.   • Ricin has some potential
medical uses, such as bone marrow transplants and cancer
treatment (to kill cancer cells).  How can people be exposed to
ricin?    • People can breathe in ricin mist or powder and be
poisoned.   • Ricin can also get into water or food and then be
swallowed.   • Depending on the route of exposure (such as
injection), as little as 500 micrograms of ricin could be enough
to kill an adult. A 500-microgram dose of ricin would be about
the size of the head of a pin.