A vial of ricin was opened inside the emergency waiting room at Olympia's Providence St. Peter Hospital Wednesday night. There is no public health risk associated with the exposure, according to health officials.
The hospital said an individual opened a vial containing an unknown substance, prompting a hazardous materials response.
The Thurston County Public Health Department responded, along with law enforcement, the Olympia Fire Department and Camp Murray Hazmat.
The state's Public Health Laboratories determined the substance tested positive for ricin, but additional testing will be completed.
Thurston County Public Health Officer Dr. Rachel Wood said there is no ongoing public health risk related to the incident.
The hospital reports, "Ricin poisoning is not contagious. Ricin-associated illness cannot be spread from person to person or through casual contact."
Individuals who were in the emergency waiting room and may have been exposed are being contacted by the health department for follow-up.