Cancer on campus: Over 150 students and staff at North Carolina university are ... trends now
More than 150 students, staff and alumni have been diagnosed with cancers and other diseases linked to a university building teaming with toxins.
Cases of lymphoma and thyroid and breast cancers have been reported among patients who spent time at Poe Hall, a class building at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.
The building closed in November 2023 amid reports of exposure to concerning levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), toxic chemicals linked to cancer.
An investigation the month before found that PCB levels in five rooms were more than 38 times the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) building limit.
The university now faces lawsuits from the 152 patients who report falling sick with diseases linked to the toxins.
Poe Hall, a class building at North Carolina State University, closed amid concerns of 'forever chemicals' polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which have been linked to cancer
More than 150 people have been diagnosed with cancer linked to Poe Hall, which held education and psychology classes for 4,000 students
Poe Hall, which held education and psychology classes for 4,000 students, was constructed in 1971, when PCBs were commonly used in industrial products like oils, insulators, and electric appliances such as TV sets, lighting, and refrigerators.
PCBs, including those used to build Poe Hall, were largely mass produced by agricultural giant Monsanto until they were banned in 1979 amid concerns that they harmed humans and the environment.
According to the EPA, conclusive evidence has found that PCBs can cause cancer in animals, as well as harm their immune, reproductive, nervous, and endocrine systems.
The agency classifies these chemicals as 'probably carcinogenic' to humans.
According to the CDC, exposure to PCBs can lead to increased enzymes linked to liver damage, skin lesions, and respiratory issues.
Animal studies have shown effects such as weight loss, fatty liver, thyroid damage, and cancer.
NC State's investigation into Poe Hall began in August 2023 when an employee issued a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Division of the North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL).
The complaint 'alleged health and/or safety hazards related to Poe Hall,' according to the university's updates page for the investigation.
Health officials began sampling the seven-story building in October and
