A look at key moments in NC State's Poe Hall investigation since 2024
NC State University faces ongoing challenges related to chemical exposure at Poe Hall. The articles outline significant steps in the investigation and the university's response to faculty concerns. Initial tests revealed toxic PCBs leading to the building's closure and further assessments. NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson informed the board that resolution of the Poe Hall issue will require time and extensive testing. The university contracted Geosyntec for a thorough environmental analysis, with results so far showing PCBs largely below EPA thresholds. Yet, Geosyntec continues testing with ventilation systems on.
Amid faculty pressure and a vote of no confidence, NC State re-engaged with NIOSH for a health hazard assessment, which initially faced procedural complications. The renewed evaluation seeks insights into the health impacts linked to workplace conditions in Poe Hall. Discussions around funding for remediation reflect significant legislative backing, with proposed budgets earmarking substantial sums for building rehabilitation. Decisions on investigating other campus structures for similar risks remain pending as the situation develops.
NO. 1: NC STATE FOUND TOXIC CHEMICALS IN POE HALL. SHOULD THE UNIVERSITY TEST OTHER BUILDINGS?
Poe Hall is closed for the spring semester as the university conducts further testing for PCBs. | Published January 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean
NO. 2: WHY THE CDC HAD TO ‘CLARIFY’ ITS CLAIM THAT NC STATE CANCELED A TOXIC CHEMICAL TEST
NC State University is pushing back against claims it closed a federal investigation into toxic chemicals found at Poe Hall. The university asked the CDC for a retraction. | Published February 9, 2024 | Read Full Story by Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi
NO. 3: POE HALL TIMELINE: WHEN DID NC STATE KNOW ABOUT PCBS? WHAT’S HAPPENED SINCE THEN?
Keep track of key events in NC State University’s handling of toxic chemicals in Poe Hall with this timeline. | Published February 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean
NO. 4: IN REVERSAL, NC STATE AND CDC AGREE ON NEW POE HALL HEALTH INVESTIGATION, CHANCELLOR SAYS
The closure of a previous case drew criticism. Now NC State has asked the CDC to open a new health investigation, which could help determine if toxic chemical exposure at Poe Hall harmed employees. | Published February 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi
NO. 5: DEAN’S LIST: FIXING POE HALL ISSUES ‘WILL TAKE TIME,’ NC STATE CHANCELLOR SAYS. HOW LONG?
Learn more in The N&O’s higher education news roundup about how long it could take for ongoing environmental and health testing at NC State’s Poe Hall. | Published February 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean
NO. 6: WHAT’S NEXT FOR NC STATE’S POE HALL? EXPERTS TALK LAWS, BEST PRACTICES ON TOXIC CHEMICALS
Toxic chemicals were found at Poe Hall at NC State. We look into state and federal laws on PCBs and speak with experts on best practices. | Published March 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi
NO. 7: HEALTH INVESTIGATION INTO NC STATE’S POE HALL ENDS DUE TO FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CUTS
The abandoned evaluation would have had the potential to provide clarity as to whether exposure to toxic chemicals in the building was responsible for employees’ illness, such as cancer. | Published April 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean
NO. 8: POE HALL LIKELY TO GET MORE MONEY IN NC BUDGET. HOW ABOUT OTHER PROJECTS?
Learn more in The N&O’s higher ed newsletter about key projects state lawmakers seem to agree on funding ahead of budget negotiations. | Published May 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean
NO. 9: FEDERAL HEALTH INVESTIGATION INTO NC STATE’S POE HALL TO RESUME, CHANCELLOR SAYS
The evaluation was previously halted due to cuts to the federal workforce. | Published May 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.