Suspected lead poisoning closes Capitol cafeteria

Legal authorities in Hazmat suits descended on a Capitol Hill cafeteria this morning to find what had sickened 10 employees from the surrounding office building.

U.S. Capitol Police say the cause might have been exposed lead, since the victims all showed signs of lead poisoning. The officials noted that the cafeteria’s kitchen is undergoing a renovation, and did not connect the problem to terrorism.

The cafeteria serves the Longworth House Office Building, where many representatives have their D.C. offices.

The cafeteria was closed and some areas of the building were cleared, according to an email that was sent to the building’s occupants.

The communication noted that the facility would remain closed until the cause of the illnesses had been confirmed.