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Anne Marie's Chemistry Blog

By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com Guide to Chemistry since 2001

Ricin Detected in D.C. Office Building

Tuesday February 3, 2004
Authorities have identified a white powder found on the fourth floor of a Washington, D.C. office building as ricin. Ricin, a protein derived from the castor bean plant, is sufficiently poisonous that a single milligram may be enough to kill an adult. The ricin powder was associated with a letter sent to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. While it is possible that there was some inhalation of the powder, there are no known injuries. The initial effects of ricin poisoning would be felt within a few hours of exposure. This is an ongoing story being reported by MSNBC.
About Ricin|Chemical Weapons & Warfare Agents

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