Cancer Reports Linked to NC State Building Spark Controversy

In a recent turn of events at North Carolina State University, reports of cancers potentially linked to Poe Hall, a building shut down in November due to environmental contaminants, have sparked controversy and raised concerns among faculty and federal officials. The situation has led to a vote of no-confidence in university leadership and a dispute over the halting of a federal evaluation into the building.

In November, NC State made the decision to temporarily close Poe Hall, which houses the university’s College of Education and Department of Psychology, upon the discovery of elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a chemical compound associated with adverse health effects, including cancer, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Since then, local media outlets have reported on the possibility of cancer cases related to the building. Raleigh-based TV station WRAL has received over 100 reports of cancer cases among individuals who spent time in Poe Hall. Additionally, documents obtained by North Carolina Newsline suggest that the university sought assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate a potential “breast cancer cluster.”

The handling of the contamination issue and the reported cancer cases has led to faculty member Stephen Porter initiating a vote of no-confidence against Chancellor Randy Woodson and other university leaders. Porter cited concerns over their mishandling of the situation, though opinions among faculty members appear to be mixed.

One point of contention surrounds the federal Health Hazard Evaluation for Poe Hall. WRAL reported that the CDC indicated NC State requested the evaluation to be halted, but the university disputes this claim. NC State asserts that it informed the CDC of its internal investigation and the agency chose to close the evaluation, stating that the university is welcome to request a resubmission at any time.

Addressing the concerns raised, Chancellor Woodson reassured the community in a letter that the university is actively seeking answers regarding the building’s safety. Initial results of the university’s own evaluation, conducted by a third-party consultant, indicated that most surface and air samples in Poe Hall had PCB levels below EPA recommendations, with further evaluation ongoing.

Despite the lack of definitive evidence linking the reported cancer cases to Poe Hall and PCB exposure, the university remains committed to understanding the situation fully. Geosyntec, the consulting firm engaged by NC State, will continue evaluating the building, including an examination of construction materials to identify the contaminant source.

Poe Hall, a seven-story building constructed around 1971, has been a focal point of investigation since August, when initial concerns were raised. The presence of PCBs, commonly used in building materials during the mid-20th century, was detected in samples taken by the university.

The closure of Poe Hall has necessitated the relocation of numerous classes, affecting over 4,000 students and disrupting the daily operations of the university. Amidst these challenges, at least one law firm, Milberg, has announced an investigation into the situation and potentially related cancer cases.

As the investigation into Poe Hall continues, NC State remains committed to transparency and ensuring the safety of its students, faculty, and staff. However, with questions lingering and concerns mounting, the university faces a complex and uncertain path forward in addressing the issues surrounding Poe Hall and its potential impact on the health of those associated with it.