In Wake of Explosion, East Harlem Tenants Worry About Toxic Dust

May 12, 2014- More than a month after an explosion touched off by a gas leak leveled two buildings and killed eight people in East Harlem, over half of the households in buildings impacted by the blast have not been able to return home. In addition to the two buildings that were destroyed, the city vacated four nearby properties that were damaged.

In total, 100 households were displaced. While 41 households have returned home, roughly 40 are still staying with family or friends, and 18 families are living in temporary housing provided by the city or the state.

Several residents are concerned about elevated levels of lead or asbestos found in samples of dust or debris, according to a lawsuit filed on April 11 against the landlord and the city’s preservation and development department. The city found no asbestos when it initially tested the air, and says there has been no record of lead paint in the building. A spokesman would not comment on pending litigation.

According to the mayor’s office, the city has given $110,000 to community service organizations to provide crisis counseling and outreach. A victims’ assistance fund has distributed more than $150,000 to 70 households for funerals, furniture and household goods.

The question of who is responsible for inspecting and remediating apartments affected by the blast — the landlord? the tenants themselves? the city? — remains at issue.

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