BioLab Chemical Plant Fire Attorneys in Atlanta, Georgia

According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, tens of thousands of Rockdale County residents were evacuated or sheltering in place as smoke poured from the site of BioLab, a chemical facility on Old Covington Road in Conyers, into Monday, September 30, 2024.

Officials said the billowing plume from the chemical plant, about 30 miles east of Atlanta, contained chlorine. The smoke—now a chemical reaction, not a fire—will remain visible for several days.

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency issued a public safety alert detailing a “local area emergency” due to the fire in metro Atlanta. The warning was issued on behalf of the Environmental Protection Division, which stated that the EPA was monitoring air quality for chlorine and related compounds.

While the shelter-in-place order in Rockdale County has been lifted, officials warn that the plume “is banking down and moving throughout the county” due to weather conditions.

Manufacturers and sellers of hazardous chemicals must take all necessary steps to keep workers and the public safe. Our Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Ashby Thelen Lowry are dedicated to helping our Georgia residents hold negligent chemical plants liable for causing injuries and illnesses, temporary or irreversible, that may include cancers, organ damage, and congenital disabilities, starting with a free consultation.

What Caused the Chemical Plant Fire at BioLab in Conyers, Georgia?

It was unclear what caused the fire on the roof of a plant for BioLab, a pool and spa treatment product manufacturer, Fire Chief Marian McDaniel of Rockdale County said at a news conference.

The fire was extinguished but reignited, triggering the building’s sprinkler system. This caused water to mix with a water-reactive chemical, creating a large plume of smoke and chemicals. The flames were controlled, but the plant’s roof and walls collapsed.

The county said that air quality surveys detected chlorine in the air emitted from the lab’s location.

What Chemicals Were Released in the BioLab Fire in Conyers, Georgia?

An air quality survey conducted by the EPA and Georgia’s EPD “revealed the harmful irritant chlorine, which was detected in the air emitting from the incident location of BioLab.”

Environmental officials are still investigating the extent of the exposure.

BioLab Has a History of Chemical Plant Incidents in Conyers, Georgia

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board said that BioLab manufactures chemicals containing trichloroisocyanuric acid, also known as T.C.C.A., which breaks down slowly in large bodies of water and releases chlorine. When T.C.C.A. is in contact with only a small amount of water, “it can undergo a chemical reaction that generates heat,” which can cause T.C.C.A. to decompose and produce toxic chlorine gas, the agency said.

In September 2020, a “TCCA reaction and decomposition” caused a plume of hazardous chemicals to be released into the air at the Conyers plant, exposing facility personnel and nine firefighters to “dangerous fumes,” according to a U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board report. Surrounding businesses were evacuated, and a section of I-20 was closed for about six hours.

The report stated that another TCCA decomposition occurred four days later at the plant.

Chief McDaniel said the latest fire was the third incident of “this magnitude” at the plant in at least seven years. It is unclear if the same chemical was involved in Sunday’s incident.

What To Do If You Have Been Exposed to Toxic Fumes from the BioLab Chemical Plant Fire in Conyers, Georgia

Exposure to chemicals can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or direct contact.

• Inhalation: When chemicals are breathed in, they irritate the nose, airways, and lungs. Some chemicals may settle in the respiratory system, while the lungs absorb others into the bloodstream, where they can impact the rest of the body.
• Ingestion: Chemicals can enter the body through food, drinks, cigarettes or vaping products, utensils, or hands. Children are particularly at risk of ingesting substances from dust or soil because they frequently put their fingers in their mouths, but chemical ingestion can happen to anyone. Once swallowed, these substances can be absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body.
• Direct contact: When chemicals come into contact with the skin or eyes, they can be absorbed into the bloodstream, allowing them to spread throughout the body.

Chemical exposure can lead to harmful health effects either at the point of contact or elsewhere in the body, with these effects occurring immediately or manifesting later. For example, one chemical might cause instant symptoms like headaches or vomiting. At the same time, another may produce no immediate signs but result in long-term health issues, such as infertility or cancer.

The impact of chemical exposure depends on various factors, including the type of chemical, the amount, duration, and frequency of exposure, and the part of the body affected.

Some individuals may experience no illness from exposure, while others, who may be more sensitive, could suffer more severe reactions. Factors influencing a person’s vulnerability to exposure and health effects include age, gender, genetics, pregnancy, and existing health conditions.

If you or someone you love has suffered an injury or illness because of the BioLab incident in Georgia, contact our skilled Atlanta personal injury lawyers and support team at Ashby Thelen Lowry at (404) 777-7771 to schedule a free consultation to understand your legal rights and options to pursue a claim against the company.

This initial step will ensure your rights are protected and enable you to make informed decisions about the direction of your claim.

Related Link:

Were the Chemicals Released in the Conyers Biolab Chemical Plant Fire Toxic?