CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Testing of University of North Carolina at Charlotte's older buildings found "no detectable levels" of PCBs, a group of toxic, man-made chemicals banned in 1979. The school conducted the testing "proactively" after similar chemicals were found at North Carolina State University's Poe Hall.
Students on campus are pleased to see UNC Charlotte take action.
“I’m glad that our school is doing those safety precautions," Tommy Vairo told WCNC Charlotte.
A news release from the university states the testing was done in June. Rodrigo Antolinez-Gunzman, another student, added that the testing comes at a critical time for him and his peers.
“I like the fact that they are looking into stuff that could impact their health," he said, "especially at such critical developmental times in our lives.”
In Raleigh, NC State closed Poe Hall after more than 200 people who worked or studied there reported a cancer diagnosis. As a precautionary measure, UNC Charlotte conducted testing on its campus.
Rushil Dasara is another student UNC Charlotte who found comfort in the results.
“Knowing that our academic halls are free of that is reassuring," he said.
“The decision to conduct this testing was driven by our commitment to proactively ensuring the safety and well-being of our campus community,” Chris Gonyar, UNC Charlotte's interim associate vice chancellor for safety and security, said in a released statement. “By adhering not only to OSHA standards but meeting EPA standards too, we are able to affirm we are maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment in these buildings.”
Charlotte tested 25 of their buildings built prior to 1979, the year the chemicals were banned in the United States.
"Knowing that it's not around is definitely more reassuring," Dasara said. "Just knowing that testing has been done, at least that we know that we have some measures in place.”
Testing on the Charlotte campus was conducted by external industrial hygienists. The school has published their findings online.
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.