U.S. Capitol Police, DC Fire Investigate 'Suspicious Substance' at Capitol Hill Building

PHOTO: Longworth House Office Building photo from Architect of the Capitol’s Office

______________

WASHINGTON, DC -- Ten construction workers were being evaluated for possible exposure to lead Friday on Capitol Hill, according to a report by CBS Radio.

The Washington Post reports that eight persons were sent to area hospitals after breathing in potential lead paint dust at a cafeteria during a renovation project.

The building they were working in is the Longworth House Office Building, part of the U.S. Capitol complex of offices. Members of the U.S. House of Representatives have offices located in the building. No offices were evacuated.

A U.S. Capitol Police spokeswoman told Patch that they were working with the D.C. fire department investigating a “suspicious substance” in the area of Room B 227 at the building. The cafeteria remains closed and was not open to the public during the renovation.

Eastbound Independence Avenue, between Washington Avenue SW and First Street SE, was temporarily shut down and reopened at about 12:15 p.m., the Post noted.

Lead poisoning symptoms in adults, according to the Mayo Clinic include:

• High blood pressure
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Joint pains
• Muscle pain
• Declines in mental functioning
• Pain, numbness or tingling of the extremities
• Headache
• Memory loss
• Mood disorders
• Reduced sperm count, abnormal sperm
• Miscarriage or premature birth in pregnant women

Patch will update with new information as it becomes available.