Decontamination efforts are underway at a home in Cache County where police say a woman attempted suicide with the poison, ricin.
According to a press statement issued by the Bear River Health Department, emergency dispatchers received a call around 10 p.m. Wednesday from an individual who was concerned that her cousin may be attempting suicide by swallowing processed castor beans.
Authorities responded to a basement apartment at a residence near 2300 N. 700 East in North Logan.
BRHD spokeswoman Jill Parker says, "during that time, the dispatch center was able to make contact with the patient at the residence and the patient was transported to the hospital."
Authorities did not release any additional information about the woman or her condition.
North Park Police Chief Kim Hawkes said, “four residents living above this apartment were evacuated as a precaution. There is no risk for neighbors living near this residence. The scene has been secured and we are working with our partners locally and statewide to continue clean up of the residence.”
Parker says an undetermined number of castor beans were found at the scene.
Castor beans are processed throughout the world to make castor oil. Ricin is part of the waste “mash” produced when castor oil is made, according to Parker.