It has been reported that more than 150 individuals, including students, staff, and alumni of North Carolina State University, have been diagnosed with various types of cancers and diseases. These health issues are allegedly believed to be linked to Poe Hall, a university building, due to its high levels of toxic chemicals. Some of the reported cases include lymphoma, thyroid cancer, and breast cancer, which are said to have affected those who spent significant time in Poe Hall.
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The building was closed in November 2023 following reports about dangerous exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chemicals known for their carcinogenic properties. A month before the closure, an examination revealed that PCB concentrations in some regions of Poe Hall exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s safety threshold by over 38 times. Currently, NC State faces legal action from 152 individuals who claim their illnesses are tied to the building’s toxic environment. Among the affected is the late Sarah Glad, a 35-year-old NC State alumna who succumbed to stage four breast cancer. Glad, who pursued her education there from 2007 to 2013, had aspirations of a political career, which were tragically cut short by her illness. Her husband, Robbie Glad, shared with WRAL the vibrancy of her spirit, characterized by her distinctive hair, smile, and dimples, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Sarah’s extensive time in Poe Hall during her master’s studies and her subsequent diagnosis, alongside a classmate with breast cancer, has raised suspicions about the building’s role in their conditions. Despite battling cancer, Sarah achieved her dream of motherhood in August 2022 but passed away in January 2024. Robbie Glad has since dedicated himself to raising awareness rather than seeking compensation. Similarly, Christie Lewis and Jennifer Walter, both NC State alumnae, have shared their health struggles and suspicions regarding Poe Hall’s influence. Lewis experienced unexplained night sweats during her time in Poe Hall and was later diagnosed with thyroid cancer, while Walter faced diagnoses of thyroid cancer and synovial sarcoma years after her attendance.
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Poe Hall was constructed in 1971 using PCBs, which was a common practice back then but got banned in 1979 due to health risks. According to the EPA, PCBs are classified as “probably carcinogenic” and can cause various health problems, such as liver damage, skin lesions, and cancer. Following a complaint to the North Carolina Department of Labor, NC State launched an investigation into the discovery of PCBs in Poe Hall. Despite the university’s initial steps to address the contamination, the federal investigation was halted, and there are concerns and demands for comprehensive health assessments for those associated with Poe Hall due to disputed claims about the handling of the health hazard evaluation.
