Researchers at North Carolina State University (NC State) and the University of Iowa Superfund Research Program (SRP) centers partnered to address community concerns about polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) discovered in Poe Hall, an NC State building. During an online forum on February 24, 2024, the team answered questions from the NC State community about the health effects of PCBs.
PCBs are a class of persistent chemicals that are linked to several adverse health outcomes, including diabetes and certain cancers. Aroclors, a tradename for a specific group of PCBs, were commonly used in building insulation, caulking, flame retardants, and electrical components until they were banned in 1979. However, the presence of older materials containing Aroclors may still pose health risks as the materials break down and release these harmful chemicals into the environment.
After the session, the team wrote a document with a summary of the panel’s questions and answers, responses to questions that the panelists did not have time to address, and links to additional resources. The document is publicly available on the NC State SRP website.
“We were being sent questions about PCBs from people who had worked or taken classes in the affected building,” said Katy May, who leads the Community Engagement Core at the NC State SRP Center. The session was moderated by Katy May and NC State SRP Center Director Carolyn Mattingly, Ph.D.
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