This brief article is to notify you of two new hazards which have come to our attention. Please be alert to these, and keep safety as a constant priority in all property room operations.

On January 7,1998, an ALERT BULLETIN was distributed to local agencies by the Combined Rural and City Narcotic Enforcement Team, located in Stockton, California, regarding a highly toxic and fatal substance being used to "bait" law enforcement officers.

According to the bulletin, narcotic traffickers and users were using a substance called RICIN, in a white powder that looks like Methamphetamine. Forensic experts from the Department of Justice have confirmed that any skin contact with this substance is fatal, that death may take several days depending upon the dosage, and is almost impossible to detect during an autopsy.

Symptoms of contact exposure to Ricin include fever, coughing, weakness, hypothermia, progressively lower blood pressure, heart failure, and subsequent death. RICIN is 6,000 times more lethal than Cyanide and there is no antidote.

Forensic experts also advise that if you field test "RICIN" it will start foaming and bubbling extensively, and will-also produce a gas that is very similar to mustard gas that can also be lethal if inhaled.

Due to this situation, on all drug seizures, avoid coming into direct skin contact with any powdered substance. If you have any questions or information, please contact Investigations Sergeant T. Keiser, or any member of the Narcotic Enforcement Unit of Monterey County (NEUCOM), at (408) 755-3772.

Workers exposed to latex gloves and other products containing natural rubber latex may develop allergic reactions such as skin rashes, hives, flushing, itching, nasal, eye, or sinus symptoms, asthma, and (rarely) shock.

In this warning sheet, the term "latex" refers to natural rubber latex and includes products made from dry natural rubber. Natural rubber latex is the product manufactured from a milky fluid derived mainly from the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. The goal of this recommendation is to reduce exposure to allergy-causing proteins (antigens).

Workers with ongoing exposure to natural rubber latex should take the following steps to protect themselves:

1.  Use non-latex gloves for activities that are not likely to involve contact with infectious materials (food preparation, routine housekeeping, maintenance, etc.).

2.  Appropriate barrier protection is necessary when handling infectious materials. If you choose latex gloves, use powder-free gloves with reduced protein contents.

3.  When wearing latex gloves, do not use oil-based hand creams or lotions (which can cause glove deterioration) unless they have been shown to reduce latex-related problems and maintain glove barrier protection.

4.  Frequently clean work areas contaminated with latex dust (upholstery, carpets, ventilation ducts).

5.  Frequently change the ventilation filters and vacuum bags used in latex-contaminated areas.

6.  Learn to recognize the symptoms of latex allergy: skin rashes, hives, flushing, itching, nasal, eye, or sinus symptoms; asthma; and (rarely) shock.

7.  If you develop symptoms of latex allergy, avoid direct contact with latex gloves and products until you can see a physician experienced in treating latex allergy.

8.  If you have latex allergy, consult your physician regarding the following precautions:

  Avoid contact with latex gloves and products.

  Avoid areas where you might inhale the powder from the latex gloves worn by others.

  Tell your employers, physicians, nurses, and dentists that you have latex allergy.

  Wear a medical alert bracelet.

9.  Take advantage of all latex allergy education and training provided by your employer.

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)