Is there a cancer cluster in Beering Hall?

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WISH) - Purdue University employees are questioning whether they could be getting cancer at work.

Employees who work in Beering Hall on the West Lafayette campus asked the school to investigate after they say too many of their colleagues have been diagnosed with cancer.

“We care about our employees and if they have this concern we are doing a comprehensive study to make sure we know exactly what is going on,” said  Chris Sigurdson, Assistant Vice President For External Relations.

Workers first contacted the Department of Radiological and Environmental Management, and the school then turned the investigation over to Indiana State Department of Health. The agency designed a survey to identify workers or students who have developed cancer after spending time in Beering Hall.

“It’s surprising, and scary as well,” said Purdue graduate Lauren Olsen.

The memo sent to faculty, staff, and graduate students can be found here . The survey is confidential and includes current and past employees and students. It was sent out on April 19th and the university says they expect results by June.

“If the research is being conducted in a matter in which it’s supposed to be, I don’t think it should be a concern,” said student Vanessa Kobza.

University officials say they are aware of 17 cases of cancer since the building opened in August of 1994. The school says more than 300 employees work in the building at any given time.

“I believe this is the first time we’ve ever had a problem like this in Purdue history,” said Sigurdson.