If a bioterrorist attack ever does happen, ricin is widely regarded as the weapon of choice. Comparatively cheap and easy to get, there’s no known antidote to the toxin. But in the event of an attack, common household bleach may be the best way to clean up. A recent report compared the effectiveness of bleach (NaOCl), peroxyacetic acid (PAA), and quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) on ricin that was dried onto stainless steel plates, delivered via food or on its own. Of these, NaOCL was the most effective at inactivating the ricin, and after just five minutes rendered the plates suitable for food preparation.
