Feds investigate CMS building possibly connected to cancer in employees

CHARLOTTE — A federal investigation is underway four months after Channel 9 exposed concerns that a building belonging to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district could be linked to cancer in employees.

CMS officials stopped plans to demolish the Smith Family Center and sell the Tyvola Road property, after we started asking questions and interviewing those workers fighting cancer.

PAST COVERAGE:

• Another former CMS employee who worked at Smith Family Center diagnosed with cancer
• 9 Investigates: CMS employees who worked at same building say they were diagnosed with cancer
• Building where CMS employees diagnosed with cancer worked will be evaluated
• CMS building where cancer-stricken employees worked will be sold, torn down

Several CMS workers received a letter this month notifying them about the investigation.

Ynez Olshausen, a former principal, had a rare face tumor last year.

>>In the video at the top of this webpage, anchor Allison Latos reports on what investigators will be looking for and the relief it is giving to many people.

Olshausen was a principal for nine years in the building, when it was called the Smith Academy of International Languages.

She said the doctor leading the federal probe informed her the study will only analyze cases among staff employed at Smith in 2021.

“At the same time, I represent the human side of the teachers and parents whose concerns aren’t going to be addressed by how you design this investigation,” she said.

(Watch the video below: Another former CMS employee who worked at Smith Family Center diagnosed with cancer)

Another former CMS employee who worked at Smith Family Center diagnosed with cancer

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