Source of Sparrow Hospital’s noxious fumes determined

LANSING – Noxious fumes were detected Friday morning at Sparrow Hospital near an operating room area, but the hospital said patients weren’t exposed anything considered hazardous or toxic.

Sparrow said in a statement that the fumes, discovered at 9:15 a.m., came from concrete sealing work that was done behind the hospital on Jerome Street. The hospital is at 1215 E. Michigan Ave..

Officials added that “a number of individuals” affected by a low, non-toxic level of fumes were treated for symptoms.

“The fumes have been eliminated and air quality has been restored,” the statement said. “The health and safety of our caregivers and patients remains our top priority.”

All hospital rooms affected by the fumes are expected to be cleaned and have air quality verified before they are re-opened for patients. Some surgeries scheduled at the hospital were moved to Sparrow’s St. Lawrence Campus at 1210 W. Saginaw St.