Students report coughing, sore throats from mold in Duke dorms

Mold has been reported in several East Campus dorms, which include Bassett, Alspaugh and Pegram halls, where students pay over $9,000 to live on campus.

Students said they're distraught, disappointed and frustrated to be living with mold growing inside the air conditioning units and on the walls of their dorm rooms.

Some said they've been sick for weeks and have no idea how long the mold has been there.

"It's really disheartening to see that that this is the state of how a lot of students are living this year," a student who asked not to be identified told WRAL News.

The student said he and his friends living in the designated freshmen dorms have been fighting off illness.

"I would wake up with allergy symptoms -- sore throat, runny nose [and] cough," he said. "Me specifically, I'm allergic to mold, and that's a trigger for my asthma, which I've hard for years. So, I would wake up with a cough, too."

The Duke student said his symptoms began in October. But he said other students have been dealing with symptoms since they moved into the dorms in August.

"I know friends that have slept in the common rooms of their dorm rather than sleeping in their own room because no one would go clean their room," he said.

Duke officials declined WRAL News' request for an interview about the mold on Thursday. But WRAL did obtain an email that was sent to students sharing mold remediation efforts.

The letter stated that each room is equipped with a bucket of Damp-Rid moisture absorber, which are designed to help trap extra moisture in the air. If needed, Duke leaders said the moisture absorber would be replaced and a new one would be installed.

"We remain committed to providing a safe, healthy living and learning environment for all students in the residence halls and appreciate your cooperation in this effort," Duke leaders wrote in the letter.

The letter also asked that dorm rooms with digital thermostats be set between 72 and 74 degrees, while those with dials be set to Level 1. Duke officials also asked students to keep the air conditioning running whenever possible so that air is constantly circulating.

Students were also asked to report any unusual specks or splotches to the East Campus Housing and Residence Life office.

Some students said they don't believe residence hall leaders moved quickly enough on the issue.

"Starting college as a freshman is already stressful. Having to go out of your way and take time out of your day to go and deal with the situation really shouldn't be on you," said the Duke student.

The student added that, while the mold in his dorm room was recently cleaned, he's still dealing with lingering symptoms.