Lead paint discovery inside Google’s future Loop HQ prompts OSHA investigation

The discovery of lead-containing paint inside the atrium of the former Thompson Center – now being transformed into Google’s new Chicago headquarters – has sparked an OSHA investigation and led to blood testing for tradespeople working to turn the building, NBC 5 Investigates has learned.

The project manager, Clark Construction, responsible for the construction phase of the project, confirmed to NBC 5 Investigates that the company became aware of lead-containing paint on the structural steel elements inside the building’s atrium.

A spokesman would not say exactly how that discovery was made or when, but an OSHA inspection form reviewed by NBC 5 Investigates shows it was opened on February 20.

When approached by NBC 5 Investigates, workers at the site in the Loop declined to be interviewed on-camera citing fear of retribution for their jobs. But several told NBC 5 Investigates off camera that they were aware of the lead remediation work being done. At least two…