The Capitol was closed recently due to the discovery of asbestos insulation around pipes and vents in a staircase on the fourth floor of the building.
Workers were removing insulation on the East Grand Staircase which goes from the first to the third floor, but once the discovery was made, samples were taken to a laboratory for analysis. The analysis showed that the levels of asbestos were not significant.
The House side of the Capitol was temporarily closed with a two hour delay of the day’s session, but was reopened once the results of the analysis were known, however the staircase itself remains closed. The Senate is at the other end of the 751-foot-long building.
It is not surprising that asbestos was found in the building as construction of the main section of the center of the Capitol in Washington began in 1793 and was finished in 1826.
If you or someone you know is suffering from an asbestos related disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP at (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation.
