Ricin and Ammonium Nitrate | Deadly Substances Linked to Recent Terror Alerts in India

Recently, terror attacks were averted in India involving the potential use of Ricin poison and Ammonium Nitrate.
Both substances are classified as high-risk materials under counter-terrorism and chemical safety frameworks.
Their misuse poses a severe threat due to their high lethality and easy accessibility in raw or industrial form.

What Is Ricin?

Ricin is a naturally occurring toxic protein extracted from the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis).
It can be produced from the waste residue left after castor oil extraction.
Ricin is categorized as a biological toxin, meaning it comes from a living source but acts as a chemical poison.

How Lethal Is Ricin?

Ricin is extremely deadly. Even 1 milligram mixed with food, water, or inhaled can kill an adult.
There is no known antidote or specific treatment for ricin poisoning.
Ricin works by entering human cells and blocking protein synthesis, which is essential for cell survival.
When cells cannot produce proteins, they die rapidly, leading to multi-organ failure and death.

How Does Ricin Affect the Human Body?

Ricin poisoning can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or injection.
Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, and organ failure.
Death can occur within 36 to 72 hours, depending on exposure and dose.
Because it is odorless, tasteless, and highly potent, ricin is considered a potential biological weapon.

What Is Ammonium Nitrate?

Ammonium Nitrate (NH₄NO₃) is a white, crystalline, water-soluble compound widely used in fertilizers and industrial applications.
It has a melting point of 170°C, which allows it to be easily processed and stored.
In its pure form, ammonium nitrate is not explosive.

Why Is Ammonium Nitrate Dangerous?

Ammonium nitrate becomes explosive when mixed with fuels or other reactive substances.
It is commonly used in the manufacture of industrial and mining explosives such as ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil).
Under high heat or shock, it can detonate violently, releasing large volumes of gas and energy.
Major global disasters, including the Beirut explosion (2020), were caused by improper storage of ammonium nitrate.

Why Are These Substances a Security Concern?

Both Ricin and Ammonium Nitrate are dual-use substances — meaning they have legitimate industrial or medical uses but can be misused for terrorism.
Ricin falls under Schedule 1 of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which bans its development and possession.
Ammonium nitrate is regulated under India’s Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012, to prevent unauthorized storage and diversion.
Their combination in recent intelligence reports reflects a potential shift toward unconventional terror tactics involving biochemical and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).