DE FAAKTO INTELLIGENCE NEWS
SITUATION-RICIN SUSPECTED IN MINNESOTA-07 May 2019
BACKGROUND-THE FBI IS INVESTIGATING THE SUSPECTED POISONING OF A FEMALE COLLEGE STUDENT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
ABC News & The Huffpost are reporting,
Key Points
- According to the FBI a hazardous material that prompted the evacuation of a Minneapolis apartment complex and injured a University of Minnesota student could be ricin
- Preliminary testing by the Minnesota Department of Health lab indicated the presumptive potential presence of ricin
- The FBI said the female student “may have been intentionally handling the material
- Ricin is a poison found naturally in castor beans
- The FBI said evidence will be sent to the bureau’s lab in Virginia for positive identification (ABC) (Huffpost)
Ricin Biotoxin-Faakt Board
Ricin What is it?
• Biotoxin
• Toxic plant protein from castor bean plant
• Usually white powder maybe liquid or crystalline
• Used in industrial applications
• Used as weaponized biotoxin
• Used as terrorism tool
What does it do?
• Toxicity inhibits synthesis of proteins in cells of exposed persons
• Severe allergic reactions
• Small exposures may be fatal
Routes of Exposure
• Absorption skin open wounds-less likely intact skin
• Inhalation
• Eye contact
• Ingestion
Dissemination
• aerosol,
• contaminated food water
Response
Full HAZMAT response
• NIOSH First Responders should use a NIOSH-certified Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) with a Level A protective suit when entering an area with an unknown contaminant
• Different levels of PPE apply for; red, yellow, green zones
Initial Isolation Distance
Industrial accident
• 800 meters evacuation all directions
• Spill leak 50 meters
• Solid 25 meters
Signs/Symptoms
Short term exposure
• Absorption-skin, eyes, lungs-Irritation, inflammation, internal bleeding, in high doses alkaline caustic burns
• Ingestion-severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, hypovolemia, multi-organ dysfunction
• Inhalation-cough, fever, pulmonary edema, respiratory distress, bronchial irritation, asthma
First Aid
• Treatment is supportive
• No antidote
• Remove patient from source
Eyes
• Wash, irrigation, tepid water 15 minutes
Ingestion
• Maintain airway
• Do not induce vomiting
• Charcoal slurry absorbent for toxin
Inhalation
• Maintain airway
• Oxygen for shortness of breath
• Positive pressure ventilation Bag Valve Mask if required
Skin
• Decontaminate skin as per appropriate HAZMAT algorithms
Decontamination
This is a full HAZMAT response decontamination
First Responder
• Remove from contaminated area
• Wash first responder PPE
• Soap, water solution, soft brush
• Doff PPE-in to polyethylene bags
Patient/victim
• Remove from contaminated area
• Remove clothing-into polyethylene bag
• Wash soap, water solution
• Caution not to break skin, cover wounds
• Prevent hypothermia
• Move patient to treatment area
Resources
ABC News https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/fbi-material-found-minneapolis-apartment-ricin-62919258
Ricin-The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-Center for Disease Control (2018) https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ershdb/emergencyresponsecard_29750002.html
Best Practices for Safe Mail Handling Interagency Security Committee-Department of Homeland Security (2018) https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2010/nov/safe_Mail_Handling.pdf
Disclaimer-De Faakto Intelligence Research is provided to first responders for situational awareness, advice, guidance and educational purposes. Intelligence is perishable and fluid. Intelligence is updated and reassessed as new information becomes available. Sources are evidence based and multiple sources are used when possible. Sometimes intelligence assessments present gaps in information, this is a reality in intelligence led operations and gaps are filled when information presents. Emergency first responders should always follow best industry practices, organizational policy-procedures and regulatory standards.
