WASHINGTON, DC — Because trace amounts of anthrax were still found in the Hart Senate Office Building, a second fumigation with chlorine dioxide gas was required.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) again carried out the decontamination, leaving the gas in the building for a longer period of time in the hopes of eliminating all remaining spores. Half of the United States’ senators have offices in this building.

The gas was introduced into the ductwork serving the southeastern part of the building. The Capitol architect will decide when the offices can be reopened.

Publication date: 01/01/2002