Federal Report Finds Higher Cancer Rates Among Poe Hall Employees

NIOSH investigation confirms presence of PCBs, but stops short of directly linking to cancer cases

Mar. 10, 2026 at 2:18am

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A federal investigation by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has found that employees inside NC State's Poe Hall had heightened rates of melanoma and possibly breast cancer. The report also confirmed the presence of PCBs in the building, but stopped short of directly linking the toxic chemicals to the cancer cases.

Why it matters

The findings raise serious concerns about potential environmental health hazards at NC State's Poe Hall, which was closed in November 2023 following reports of employee illnesses. The university had initially sought to halt the NIOSH investigation, before facing public pressure to allow the study to continue.

The details

NIOSH, a division of the CDC, conducted the federal investigation into employee health issues at Poe Hall. The report found elevated rates of melanoma and possibly breast cancer among workers in the building. While PCBs were detected, NIOSH did not definitively conclude that the toxic chemicals were the cause of the cancer cases.

  • The NIOSH investigation was first initiated in November 2023, the same month Poe Hall was closed by NC State.
  • Following the initial investigation, the university asked to halt the study, but later allowed it to continue after facing public pressure.

The players

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

A division of the CDC that conducted the federal investigation into employee health issues at NC State's Poe Hall.

NC State University

The university that initially closed Poe Hall in November 2023 following reports of employee illnesses, and later sought to halt the NIOSH investigation before allowing it to continue.

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The takeaway

The NIOSH report underscores the importance of thorough environmental assessments and worker safety protocols, especially in older buildings that may contain hazardous materials. The case highlights the need for proactive measures to protect employee health and well-being on college campuses and other workplaces.