Ricin found in Vegas motel room

Ricin can be made from the waste from castor beans

A man is in critical condition after staying in a Las Vegas motel room where the deadly toxin ricin was found, police say.

Seven other people were taken to hospital but later released, after several vials of ricin were found at the Extended Stay America Motel.

Authorities say they do not believe the incident is related to terrorism.

The man in critical condition was taken to hospital on 14 February after complaining of breathing problems.

Police said the man was unconscious and they had not been able to interview him.

Castor beans

They only began investigating the incident on Thursday after another man went to retrieve his belongings and found the vials, police said.

Castor beans, which can be used to make ricin, were also found in the room.

Three motel employees, three police officers and one other person were decontaminated and taken to hospital as a precaution.

The room where the substance was found has been isolated and the area cordoned off by police.

Ricin is highly toxic and even small amounts can be fatal if inhaled, ingested, or injected.

A dose the size of a pin head could be enough to kill an adult, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.