Washington – The U.S. Capitol briefly turned into a hazardous waste zone early Thursday morning.
Police temporarily shut down the House side of the Capitol following an asbestos spill. Police and the Architect of the Capitol launched an investigation to test for potential exposure.
The incident was related to ongoing asbestos abatement work.
Speaker John Boehner delayed the start of the House of Representatives for two hours as a result.
Members’ offices and their staffs are located in adjacent buildings and were not impacted by the asbestos spill. Committee hearings proceeded as planned in the House offices buildings.
By mid-morning, the U.S. Capitol Police had reopened much of the Capitol to lawmakers, staff and tours.
But the East Grand Staircase on the House side will be closed off indefinitely due to safety concerns, officials said.