[S]tate law enforcement officials say a highly poisonous substance was found on Sunday at Wake Robin, a retirement community in Shelburne.
The Vermont Department of Health Laboratory confirmed that the material was Ricin on Wednesday morning.
Ricin is “an extremely toxic poison” that is found in castor beans. In powder form, ricin can be inhaled or ingested.
No one was exposed to the substance, according to the Vermont State Police and the Vermont Department of Public Safety, and officials said they do not expect any victims. Symptoms of exposure occur within four to 10 hours and can include difficulty breathing, fever, cough, nausea, heavy sweating and tightness in the chest. Respiratory failure can result from inhaling of Ricin. Ingestion of the poison causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea and hallucinations.
State officials said: “At this time no one from the public is in danger.”
The incident “is considered to be isolated,” state police say. The areas where potential exposure occurred have been evacuated and secured by law enforcement officials.
The FBI is investigating. No one from the state police, public safety or the FBI would comment on the circumstances surrounding the discovery. No further information is available, according to a press release from the department.
Wake Robin administrators referred all questions to the Shelburne Police Department and state public safety officials.
Editor’s Note: Reporter Mark Johnson contributed to this story.
