April 4th 2024.
A recent development at North Carolina State University has caused concern among students and alumni alike. Reports of 152 cancer cases among individuals associated with the university have prompted an internal investigation. The focus of the investigation is a popular campus building, Poe Hall, which has been closed since November of 2023. It was discovered that the building had extremely high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a known carcinogen, exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency's standards by 38 times.
The detection of PCBs was found in at least five rooms within the building, leading to widespread panic and confusion among students. One student, Christie Lewis, shared her experience of developing severe night sweats and other symptoms. She recalls going in for a physical at the health center and being unable to figure out the cause of her symptoms. "I was having to get up in the middle of the night and change my clothes completely. It took me weeks to tell my husband because I kept forgetting about it in the middle of the night," she said.
According to the EPA, PCBs are "probable human carcinogens" and can negatively affect various bodily systems. Lewis, who attended NC State between 2007 and 2012, was later diagnosed with thyroid cancer, followed by angiosarcoma, a cancerous tumor in the inner walls of blood and lymph vessels. The severity of these cases led to a federal investigation conducted by The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). However, the investigation was abruptly called off in January of 2024, leaving many questions unanswered.
The NC Department of Health and Human Services recommended that the university request a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) for Poe Hall. The CDC confirmed two separate HHE requests, but NIOSH failed to conduct either without the school's involvement. This raised suspicion and frustration among NCSU employees, as they felt a lack of communication and trust in the management's actions. In response, NIOSH official Dr. Dallas Shi stated, "I explained that the university's Office of General Counsel has asked us to stop our evaluation." She also offered to relay the employees' concerns in a confidential manner.
However, the university's chancellor, Randy Woodson, released a statement denying any involvement in stopping the evaluation. "At no time did NC State request NIOSH to close any HHE," he said in a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The university plans to conduct an environmental investigation to address any health concerns related to Poe Hall.
Built in 1971, Poe Hall falls within the era when PCBs were commonly used in construction materials. Although the medical cases have not been officially linked to the building, the university takes these reports seriously and is determined to get to the bottom of the issue. "We want to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and employees," Woodson stated. The university is committed to finding answers and taking necessary actions to prevent any further health risks.
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