The castor bean, because of its poisonous constituent ricin, is a potent toxic agent. In human beings severe symptoms have resulted from inhaling the dust of the bean. This has been known to cause severe anaphylactoid reactions of the respiratory system in hypersensitive persons.

Is it safe to touch castor beans?

Skin and eye exposure: Ricin is unlikely to be absorbed through normal skin. Contact with ricin powders or products may cause redness and pain of the skin and the eyes. However, if you touch ricin that is on your skin and then eat food with your hands or put your hands in your mouth, you may ingest some.

Are castor bean seeds poisonous?

Ricin is one of the most poisonous naturally occuring substances known. The seeds from the castor bean plant, Ricinus communis, are poisonous to people, animals and insects. … Perhaps just one milligram of ricin can kill an adult.