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Poe Hall second phase testing report is available

June 3, 2024 3-min. read

Good afternoon,

Today, the university received the second phase testing report from the environmental consulting firm Geosyntec. I am sharing the report with you — members of the College of Education and Department of Psychology — first. We will also share it today with the broader campus community, as well as outside agency partners at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the North Carolina Department of Labor and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). It is also now publicly available on the Poe Hall Updates website.

Report Overview and Findings

The report includes the results from building materials sampling conducted on the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and air samples collected throughout the building while the HVAC system was operational. You can read the complete report here. Below are some key findings:

  • The primary source of PCBs was identified as a gold-colored insulation sealant in the HVAC supply ducts.
  • Indoor air samples were collected throughout the building under conditions approximating a typical weekday with the HVAC fully operational.
  • Aroclor-1262 was detected in each indoor air sample, but all of the air samples collected were below EPA exposure levels for evaluating PCBs in school indoor air for adults and children ages 3 years and older.
  • While relatively high concentrations of Aroclor-1262 PCBs were found in certain materials inside the HVAC ductwork, the testing data show us that PCB concentrations in the air do not exceed applicable EPA risk-based thresholds.
  • We now have a comprehensive understanding of the building environment, which is essential to informing next steps as we consult with the EPA on remediation plans.

Ongoing Health Hazard Evaluation

The Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) involving Poe Hall is well underway. As mentioned above, NC State will share Geosyntec’s report with NIOSH today, as well as continue to provide other information that NIOSH requests to complete its evaluation. The HHE is a separate process designed and conducted by NIOSH, and that process is ongoing. For more details about the NIOSH HHE program, click here.

In the meantime, if you have questions about evidence-based health screenings, please review the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force website for more information. The task force website has a search function to help you find specific information.

Next Steps

As we move forward, several of the following actions to address the building — and to support the College of Education and the Department of Psychology — will happen in tandem. Once more details are available, they will be shared with you and posted on the Poe Hall Updates website.

  • Begin discussions with the EPA about the university’s plans for remediation. More specific information will be shared in the weeks ahead.
  • Compile plans, along with a timeline, to expedite the building’s renovation.
  • Determine the space needs for the College of Education and Department of Psychology during the entire renovation period. This will be done collaboratively with representatives from the college and department.

I recognize that this has been a long process of waiting for information, and I am grateful for your patience and flexibility these past several months. I hope the report provides you with information to help you address any concerns you may have.

I remain committed to keeping you updated on the steps we’re taking, and to providing you with the most current, fact-based information about the building. Please be on the lookout for additional messages and information via email and on the Poe Hall Updates website.

Thank you,

Randy Woodson
Chancellor