Ricin and the chemical weapons convention in Brazil

Abstract

This article presents a brief review of the literature on ricin. This toxin is considered as a case of vulnerability in Brazilian responsibilities related to The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Ricin is a glycoprotein present in seeds of castor beans (Ricinus communis L). It is very lethal and considered a chemical weapon. Brazil is the third world place in production of castor beans. Tons of residues with high quantities of ricin are produced every year. In this paper, examples of the ricin in terrorist attacks are remembered. It also mentions aspects on the action mechanism in the human body. The importance of the fast detection and identification is emphasized with description of methods used by first emergency responders and specialized chemical laboratories. Ricin detoxification has military interest and also may aggregate value to castor beans residues. At last, there is a brief on vaccines development against ricin.