Air samples were found to be well below the regulatory limit for general space occupancy after the Architect of the Capitol discovered a separated duct in the attic of the Capitol.

On Thursday, the duct was identified and AOC shut off the air and evacuated the suites in the area served by the air handler, AOC spokeswoman Erin Courtney said. 

AOC repaired the separated duct, Courtney said, but during this incident, rumors floated about exposure to asbestos.

[ Cannon Reopens After Asbestos Scare ]

The air samples were collected and analyzed by an independent hygienist, who determined they were below regulatory limit.

The affected areas were then declared safe to reoccupy, Courtney said.

Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call on your iPhone or your Android.