Wednesday, July 25, 2007
After a year of investigation, it has been determined that there is no link between Wescoe Hall and brain tumors.
A report done by epidemiologist John Neuberger concluded that the proximity of the tumors was likely due to chance and unrelated to occupancy in the building.
Previously, it had been believed that there could have been a link between the building and the tumors.
Jason Oruch, Plano, Texas junior, said he was relieved to hear Wescoe did not have any link to brain tumors. However, he also said that it would have made for a good reason to stay out of classes there.
“I mean, I am happy that going to class isn’t going to cause me harm,” Oruch said. “But that would have been a valid reason not to show up for a discussion or two.”
Neuberger works at the University Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan.
The investigation began when five people with offices in Wescoe were diagnosed with brain tumors during the past 10 years. Three of those tumors turned out to be benign.
According to a University press release, Neuberger conducted an air quality investigation. He concluded that the building is environmentally safe. The investigation did find that the building had some airflow problems.
The University has decided to change the air systems in the first three levels of Wescoe Hall. The project is scheduled to last two years and cost $3 million.
Todd Cohen, director of University Relations, said the construction would cause professor and graduate teaching assistants to move their offices over the course of months.
Cohen said the biggest effect on students would be meeting with teachers.
He added that the movements of offices have not been planned out yet because there is not a lot of empty space around to move people.
Cohen said that moving offices is likely to happen during breaks. He said that moving during breaks would keep the disruption of classes to a minimum and students would not have to locate a new office mid-semester.
He said the classrooms in Wescoe would not be affected by the construction being done to the office space.
— Edited by Joe Caponio
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