Ricin Lectin A (RCA-1) Sample
The Department of Environmental Health & Safety (DEHS) received a call
from a student who had purchased a material that was labeled infectious
and wanted guidance on how to use it. The material was Lectin-Agarose from
Ricinus communis (castor bean). This lectin is one of the proteins that
makes up the ricin toxin (which consists of four different proteins). The
SDS lists the material as highly toxic.
DEHS made
calls to the manufacturer for further information. The material was indeed
a ricin component and was listed in the manufacturer's system as a select
agent. There are quantity stipulations on this material which affects the
select agent classification.
The SDS states that the ceiling exposure limit is 0.00006 mg. It
also recommends wearing a self contained breathing apparatus while
handling the material and using it only in an enclosed system (i.e. glove
box).
Due to the safety concerns, the student opted not to work with the
material and DEHS secured and disposed of the material.
A few key factors should be pointed out for lessons
learned.
- A thorough investigation of any material that is going to be purchased
should be conducted before the material is ordered. If there are any
questions on the use or restrictions of certain materials please contact
your supervisor and DEHS for assistance.
- All PI's should know what is coming into and going out of
their labs. These individuals are ultimately responsible. Purchase orders
should be reviewed and approved for all chemicals ordered by their staff
and students. In addition, highly toxic or extremely hazardous materials
require the approval of your department Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO).
- To review biological materials and chemicals that are
considered highly hazardous or that may be used in terrorism please refer
to the Centers for Disease Control web site
http://www.selectagents.gov or contact DEHS at our web
site http://www.udel.edu/EHS.
- Lastly, any time
a vendor requires that a certification form of any
kind be signed by the purchaser in order to fulfill a purchase request
DEHS or the Research Office must be contacted. Individual researchers are not permitted to make
regulatory certifications on behalf of the institution without
consultation of DEHS.