July 21, 2014 – The House side of the U.S. Capitol reopened after a brief shutdown because of an asbestos-related incident. Although one section of the building remained sealed off for further inspection, lawmakers and aides returned to work, tours resumed, and the House reconvened later that day.
An asbestos scare stopped all activities on the House floor at the Capitol building on July 10th when early reports indicated a “potential release” from ongoing asbestos removal work. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. according to Capitol Police. Fortunately there were no injuries reported.
More details about the asbestos incident became known in the following days. Workers were removing asbestos-containing insulation from pipes and valves on the fourth floor before the potential spill occurred. Samples were tested on-site as well as in an independent lab to determine the asbestos levels. Washington officials say the asbestos levels were found to be similar to other buildings in Washington. A team of engineers and industrial hygienists declared the building was safe to reopen for operations. The Senate side of the building was completely unaffected by the asbestos scare.
In addition to removing asbestos and water-damaged walls, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) was in the process of renovating the Capitol Dome which sits atop the iconic building. Many older properties used asbestos-containing materials when they were built and tampering with them releases asbestos fibers into the air. Construction on these properties becomes risky for workers and nearby residents who can be exposed to the cancer-causing material. Mesothelioma and lung cancer are two possible outcomes of asbestos exposure that may not become symptomatic for decades after contact.
The Philadelphia Asbestos Attorneys at the Shein Law Commit Full Resources to Secure Justice for Asbestos Exposure Victims
Asbestos exposure can be extremely difficult to pinpoint as it may have occurred on-the-job, in the military, or from secondhand exposure such as a spouse that works in a factory. The effects are traumatic and many victims see their health deteriorate rapidly once the disease is recognized. The Philadelphia asbestos attorneys at the Shein Law act quickly and aggressively to find the parties responsible for the asbestos exposure. Our attorneys will seek full compensation for your claim to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses not paid by insurance. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 1-877-SHEINLAW (743-4652) or contact us online.