When to Seek Medical Care

A person exposed to ricin should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

• If in an area where ricin has been released and people may have been exposed to it, they must immediately leave that area and move to an area with fresh air.
  
  
• If near an area where ricin has been released, people must wait for emergency personnel to advise them regarding appropriate evacuation procedures.
  
  
• In an aerosol attack, people should use protective masks that are effective in preventing toxicity.
  
  
• To avoid possible contamination, people exposed to ricin must remove and dispose of any clothing and thoroughly wash their skin with copious amounts of soap and water. If their eyes are irritated, people must wash them out with water.