Lawmakers tested after lead found in US Capitol office water fountains

New York Post – by Daniel Harper

Lawmakers and their aides are being offered free blood tests after lead was found in water fountains at the U.S. Capitol office building.

Beginning today, “blood lead level testing will be available to House Members and Staff, with a valid congressional badge, at no cost to the individual or office,” the Architect of the Capitol wrote to Hill staffers Tuesday, according to Roll Call.  

The Architect, Stephen Ayers, — whose office handles maintenance at the Capitol — last week found lead levels “slightly above the [Environmental Protection Agency] standard, ” in drinking water in one of the House office buildings, and ordered it shut off in the the Cannon House Office Building.

“What’s important in the meantime, as we go through that process, is to be sure the building occupants have a potable source of water,” Ayers said. “We got that taken care of and we need to be sure we communicate with them what’s happening on a regular basis.”

According to the EPA, lead can cause reproductive, kidney, and cardiovascular problems in adults; cause premature birth or reduced fetus growth in pregnant women; and lower IQ, seizures, and worse in children.

http://nypost.com/2016/07/06/lawmakers-tested-after-lead-found-in-capitol-office-water-fountains/

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