Ricin

In the early hours of Sunday 5 January 2003, six men and one woman were arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000 at premises in North and East London by officers from the Metropolitan Police Anti-Terrorist Branch.

A quantity of material and items of equipment were found at a residential premises in Wood Green, North London where one of the men was arrested.

This material has been analysed at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratories at Porton Down. A small amount of the material recovered from the Wood Green premises has tested positive for the presence of Ricin poison. Ricin is a toxic material which if ingested, inhaled or injected can be fatal.

Our primary concern is the safety of the public and the police have worked closely with the Department of Health throughout. Tests were carried out on the material and it was confirmed this morning that toxic material was present.

The Department is now alerting the health service, including primary care, about these developments. It is also ensuring that the Health Service is able to provide advice to the public, including through NHS Direct on 08454647.

If any new developments have implications for public safety we will ensure that the public is informed immediately.

Ricin

Ricin is a protein toxin that is derived from castor oil seeds. It inhibits protein synthesis and has widespread toxic effects on the body. These include damage to most organ systems and a combination of pulmonary, liver, renal and immunological failure may lead to death. No antidote is known: treatment can only be supportive.

Clinical Features

The early symptoms depend on the route of exposure. Fever, gastrointestinal upset, coughing may be amongst the first effects noted.

Absorption via the lung as a result of exposure to aerosolised toxin leads to particularly serious lung damage including pulmonary oedema and Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Ingestion of Ricin causes irritation of the gut: gastroenteritis, bloody diarrhoea and vomiting.

Effects on the Central Nervous System have been reported, including seizures and CNS depression.

The effects of exposure to Ricin may be delayed for some hours after exposure and patients who develop a fever may consult their own doctors.

Diagnosis

The early stages of Ricin intoxication are difficult to distinguish from those of some infections; they may mimic septicemia. Diagnosis will depend on a high index of suspicion. Should you have concerns, further information is available on the Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS) website and from the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS). Patients thought to have been exposed to Ricin should be referred to hospital. Those who remain asymptomatic for 24 hours may be discharged from hospital.

This is a useful opportunity to reiterate the need to look for any signs of possible exposure to other hazards that could be released deliberately. Detailed information is available on the Public Health Laboratory Service website. If you find anything unusual, please alert the PHLS or NPIS.

Contact details are as follows.