HASTINGS, Mich. — The Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) has confirmed a ricin exposure at Tyden Lofts in Hastings.
Thursday, 145 tenants across 61 units were evacuated from after the BEDHD said someone arrived at Corewell Health Pennock Hospital with "a potentially hazardous substance reported to have been made by the individual in their apartment."
According to the BEDHD, that person was immediately isolated.
Previous coverage: 145 people evacuated after potential ricin exposure at Hastings apartment complex
By Friday, health officials and agents with the FBI began investigating what was believed to be a ricin exposure.
Ricin, a natural poison derived from castor beans or castor oil, can be harmful if swallowed, inhaled or injected.
People can be exposed to ricin by coming into contact with someone who has the substance on their body or clothing, or by inhaling ricin in the form of a fine powder, according to the BEDHD.
"I think something else that's really concerning is how a very small amount of it can be extremely toxic," Emily Smale, communications specialist for the BEDHD, said. "However, this is a very isolated incident that we're aware of, and, we're working to make sure that the public is safe."
As of Saturday, testing has confirmed the presence of ricin at Tyden Lofts.
According to the BEDHD, response teams have now moved into the sampling phase, where they'll collect environmental samples to determine whether ricin is present and whether additional cleanup or other actions are needed.
"This is an important next step toward allowing residents to safely return to their homes," health officials said. "Residents should not return to Tyden Lofts until they are told it is safe to do so. We understand how difficult the uncertainty has been for residents and their families, and we are working as quickly as possible to move as safely as we can through this process."
Health officials say testing was offered to tenants and employees of Tyden Lofts, along with first responders who were concerned they were exposed to ricin.
As for pets, firefighters with the Hastings Fire Department told News Channel 3 they were able to some out of the building immediately. However, other animals that were harder to find were left inside.
Officials are continuing to safely access the building, and are providing remaining pets with food and water, according to the BEDHD and Hastings Fire Chief Mark Jordan.
"We've been in every day since this happened," Jordan said. "We collected the animals we could, the ones we struggled with, we left in place. But we did confirm that the AC is on and that they have food and water."
Protesters hold up signs that read "We want our pets" and "Our pets now" in Hastings as testing continues for a potential ricin exposure at Tyden Lofts. (Emily Watson/WWMT)
Protesters hold up signs that read "We want our pets" and "Our pets now" in Hastings as testing continues for a potential ricin exposure at Tyden Lofts. (Emily Watson/WWMT)
In response, tenants who were unable to bring their pets with them during evacuations held a protest for their pets on Saturday.
They created signs that read "we want our pets" and "our pets now," and called on officials to return the remaining pets.
"I don't think I would've gotten my pets back if I didn't protest," Madisen Frye said. "You need to protest if you want your animals back. You need protest. I'm getting my animals back, two other people are getting their animals back, if you want your animal and they're in here. You need to protest."
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Frye has two cats, which were brought out of the building in a tub by firefighters. She said she was "so happy" when she got them back.
"I'm so happy, I'm happy that I got them back so I don't really have to worry about anything," Frye said. "I'm just going to love them and enjoy my time with them because they're back."
As of Saturday, there is still no timeline as to when residents can return to their apartments as the BEDHD has issued orders restricting access to Tyden Lofts.
"Residents, employees, contractors, visitors, and other individuals are not permitted to enter or re-enter affected areas unless specifically authorized," health officials said.
In the meantime, the American Red Cross has opened up a shelter at the Commission on Aging, 320 Woodlawn Ave., for tenants in need of a place to stay or a hot meal.
"All shelter services are free, and everyone affected is welcome. Those affected may call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for more information," officials with the American Red Cross said Friday.
The FBI is also making appropriate federal resources, including victim assistance services, available to support tenants impacted by the potential exposure.
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