HASTINGS, MI - On September 10, 2026, Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) received information about a potential ricin exposure at Tyden Lofts in Hastings, MI, and at the Corewell Health Pennock Hospital Emergency Department. Presumptive testing of the substance indicates the presence of ricin. Additional testing is being conducted to confirm the results. The physically impacted areas have been contained and there is no threat to the public.
Emergency responders acted quickly to notify and evacuate residents, out of an abundance of caution, while the substance was being tested. When the individual arrived at the hospital, Corewell Health team members took immediate action to isolate the patient. Patient care and healthcare operations remain safe and available at Corewell Health Pennock Hospital.
Residents of Tyden Lofts have been evacuated from the complex, and the American Red Cross has set up a shelter at an off-site location. Residents and hospital staff have been informed that responders are actively managing the situation.
Ricin is a natural poison that comes from the beans of the castor plant or castor oil. It can harm the body if swallowed, breathed in, or injected. You can be exposed to ricin if you encounter someone who has ricin on their body or clothes or through ricin in the form of fine powder in the air. Ricin poisoning does not spread from person to person through casual contact. If you think you were exposed you should take your clothes off and place them in multiple sealed bags, wash your body with soap and water, and get medical care as quickly as possible.
Symptoms of ricin poisoning depend on the amount of ricin someone was exposed to and how they were exposed. Symptoms of ricin poisoning by breathing may occur between 4 and 24 hours after exposure. Symptoms may include:
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Cough
• Nausea
• Tightness in the chest
• Heavy sweating
• Fluid buildup in lungs
• Blue skin
• Low blood pressure
• Respiratory failure
There is no treatment for ricin. Ricin is treated with supportive therapy to minimize the discomfort of symptoms. For information about ricin, view the CDC webpage here: https://www.cdc.gov/chemical-emergencies/chemical-fact-sheets/ricin.html
Barry County responding partners have been working in collaboration with Michigan State Police (MSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
This is an active investigation, and information will be provided as BEDHD is able to.
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