Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
BRIEF: How does experimental data compare with poisoning cases?
QUESTION:
How does experimental data compare with poisoning cases?
ANSWER:
This could be a masters project. One thing you want to consider in establishing
your criteria for lethality is availability and exposure. You may identify a world
champion toxin that microgram for microgram, when injected, is the most poisonous,
but if noone has a chance of encountering it, who cares? One of the things about
ricin that makes it so dangerous is not only its intrinsic toxicity and lethality
(which is bad enough), but its relative abundance and common association with
human habitation (ornamentals, jewelery, etc.).