Local News

Residents still concerned after dangerous gas found at Durham complex

Worries about carbon monoxide poisoning at a Durham housing complex continue.

Posted Updated

By
Aaron Thomas
, WRAL reporter
DURHAM, N.C. — Worries about carbon monoxide poisoning at a Durham housing complex continue.
Authorities tell WRAL that high levels of gas have been found at two more apartments at McDougald Terrace. This follows a report last week where first responders conducted emergency inspections of each unit.
The Durham Housing Authority’s CEO said they’ve identified the sources of this dangerous gas and are installing CO detectors. Residents said DHA’s efforts aren’t enough and living conditions are unacceptable.

"They need to get it together. It's a problem," said Dreka Burnette. "Some mornings, when you wake up and you come downstairs, it smells like straight gas, just all gas.

Elevated levels of carbon monoxide concerns continue
The problem Burnette is referring to deals with high levels of carbon monoxide in her home.
WRAL followed Durham officials as they conducted emergency inspections of the units on Friday. Since then, four more people were found to have high levels of carbon monoxide.
"Residents fear retaliation for what we view as a systematic violation of their human rights out here," said Rachel Cordero. "They are not living in safe conditions."
Residents shared their concerns with members of Durham’s Housing Authority on Monday. DHA CEO Anthony Scott said inspections started when it received a number of CO-related calls.
Elevated levels of carbon monoxide concerns continue

"There's not been anything systematic that we've seen," Scott said. "There's been a variety of different things that we've seen, so we're looking at those on a case-by-case basis."

Scott said the use of stoves for heating is one source of the problem. Burnette said she struggles to find peace of mind.

"I'm not even for sure if my apartment doesn't have high levels or not," Burnette said.

There will be a public meeting this Thursday at 2 p.m. at Burton Elementary in Durham to share results of their investigation.

 Credits 

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.