House Staff to be Screened for Lead Poisoning
Free blood work offered to those exposed to tainted water
A week after shutting down the drinking water in the Cannon House Office Building due to an inexplicable spike in lead levels, Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers is moving forward with complimentary blood testing for anyone affected by the health scare.
“I am pleased to report that starting tomorrow, July 6, 2016, 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,” AOC officials alerted the Capitol Hill community late Tuesday via email.
The voluntary screenings, to be conducted by in-house medical personnel, come after repeated calls for action by Reps. Dan Kildee of Michigan, Dennis A. Ross of Florida, and Ted Lieu of California.
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The architect’s office attempted to allay concerns about the contamination late last week via some hastily arranged Q&A sessions, but lawmakers remained adamant that more needed to be done to address the confusing situation.
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Staff interested in taking advantage of the examination must make an appointment with the Office of the Attending Physician.
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