NC health experts visit UNC Hospitals lab to investigate potential cancer cluster

Employees want to know if environmental hazards, such as poor air quality, have contributed to reported cancer cases in staff members at McLendon Clinical Laboratories.

In January, the state Department of Health and Human Services conducted an initial walk-through of the lab, and health experts did not find any concerns, according to UNC Health.

A statement sent to staff and students read: "It is important to note that this was a general visual inspection to identify potential concerns with indoor air quality and did not involve focused assessment or testing for any specific chemical or environmental contaminant."

McLendon Clinical Laboratories, located on the first floor of the main hospital, analyzes blood and tissue samples and performs other pathology tests.

UNC Health did not say how many cases of cancer have been diagnosed in people who spent time at McLendon Laboratories but invited past and present staff to complete a confidential form to share details of a present or past cancer diagnosis.

People can request a form by sending an email to labassessment@unchealth.unc.edu. UNC Health does not have access to staff or student medical records and said sharing health information is voluntary.

A spokesperson for UNC Health estimates that more than 1,000 employees have worked in the lab during the past two decades, and work will continue there unless and until any of the assessments determines it is not safe.

"Our priority remains ensuring the health and well-being of our teammates, patients and students," a UNC Health spokesman said. "As such, we will take every precaution needed to ensure their safety and the continued safe, healthy operation of the clinical lab and all other UNC Health facilities.

These sites are vital to the functionality of the broader hospital and there has not been an identifiable cause or link to the cancer diagnoses being assessed that would require immediate relocation."

A statement from UNC Health reads in part: "We know that this news may be unsettling to you and your colleagues, and we are committed to being proactive and transparent during this evaluation, answering questions as more details are available and supporting you and your families."

A dedicated, secure phone line and email address were created for questions or to share concerns. People can call 984-974-4870 to leave a message or email labassessment@unchealth.unc.edu.