After a thorough investigation, county, state, and university officials have determined there are no public health or safety issues at the Health and Human Sciences Building at Western Carolina University.
WCU Public Safety released more information on Feb. 7, 2020 about an incident that sickened 17 people on campus the day before.
According to WCU, response teams from Cullowhee Volunteer Fire Department, the Regional Response Team 6 out of Asheville, and Western Carolina University Safety and Risk Management conducted thorough, room-by-room investigations and monitoring of the building throughout the day on Thursday. University Safety and Risk Management continued air-quality testing on Friday, Feb. 7.
Those air-quality tests conducted looked for unusual levels of oxygen, combustible gases, solvent vapors, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrocarbons, formaldehyde, carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds. Officials said they also checked for atypical temperatures and humidity.
Officials said those tests revealed no definitive cause for the incident, in which several occupants of the building complained of feeling light headed and other symptoms.
The North Carolina Department of Public Health, Jackson County Department of Public Health, and University Safety and Risk Management have determined that it is safe to return to the building and for classes and laboratory sessions to resume on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020.
Various health clinics located in WCU’s Health and Human Science Building are also scheduled to reopen on Monday.
WCU officials said University Safety and Risk Management will continue to monitor air quality and will conduct walk-through’s every hour on the hour when the building reopens.
“The safety of WCU’s students, staff and faculty is Western Carolina University’s top priority,” WCU Public Safety’s release said.
WCU said any additional information will be provided when available.
Article Orginal Source: https://wlos.com/news/local/investigation-clears-wcu-building-for-reopening-still-no-cause-determined-for-incident
