On Sunday, September 29, 2024, a fire erupted at the BioLab chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, unleashing a dark plume of toxic smoke into the sky. The incident forced over 17,000 residents to evacuate, and more than 90,000 people were ordered to shelter in place.

With the smoke visible for miles, local authorities and environmental agencies acted swiftly to assess the dangers, but concerns about the potential health and environmental risks remain high.

Chlorine Gas: A Dangerous Airborne Threat

The fire, which started early on a Sunday morning, produced a thick cloud of smoke containing chlorine gas, a harmful irritant. BioLab, a manufacturer of pool and spa treatment chemicals, has a history of incidents involving the release of toxic substances, reports the Associated Press. Chlorine, when inhaled, can cause severe respiratory issues, including coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. High levels of exposure can even lead to lung damage.

Air quality surveys conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed the presence of chlorine in the air, advising residents to stay indoors with windows and doors sealed.

Evacuations and Widespread Impact

The fire prompted an immediate response from local emergency services, who shut down Interstate 20 and evacuated large sections of Rockdale County. Despite efforts to contain the blaze, the fire reignited Sunday afternoon, sending thick clouds of smoke into the surrounding areas, according the The New York Times. Some residents were shocked by how close the fire came to their homes.

Schools in the area were closed on Monday, and businesses were advised to remain shut as a precaution, reports the Walton County Emergency Management Agency. Even though the EPA did not detect dangerous levels of chlorine in the air over Atlanta, the haze reached as far as the city, causing concern for residents with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Authorities continued to monitor air quality, urging those who could smell the chemicals to stay indoors, according to an update from.

A History of Fires at BioLab

This fire is not the first at BioLab’s Conyers facility. In fact, it’s the third major incident in the past seven years. In 2020, a chemical reaction at the plant caused a massive chlorine vapor release that led to the closure of I-20 for several hours, exposing firefighters and workers to harmful fumes, according to The Associated Press. This history of repeated fires has raised questions about the safety protocols in place at the facility.

BioLab’s parent company, KIK Consumer Products, has faced scrutiny for previous chemical leaks and fires at their facilities in Georgia and Louisiana. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board is already investigating the cause of the latest fire, with some experts calling for tighter regulations on the handling of reactive chemicals.

 

Health and Environmental Concerns

Chlorine gas is a well-known respiratory hazard, and its release during the BioLab fire posed significant risks to the health of nearby residents. Chlorine exposure can cause immediate symptoms like coughing and throat irritation, while prolonged or high-level exposure can result in more serious issues, such as fluid buildup in the lungs, which can be life-threatening. According to Environment America, chlorine exposure also affects the eyes, skin, and digestive system. While officials have assured the public that the air quality is safe for most, those with pre-existing conditions like asthma or bronchitis are especially vulnerable.

Local authorities worked closely with the EPA to monitor the air quality and provide guidance to residents. Although the EPA stated that chemical levels were unlikely to cause harm to most people, they recommended staying indoors as a precaution, especially for individuals with respiratory issues.

 

Calls for Stricter Regulations

The repeated fires at BioLab have drawn criticism from environmental groups and lawmakers. Many are calling for stricter regulations to prevent future incidents. In response to the fire, Jennette Gayer, state director of Environment Georgia, emphasized the need for stronger oversight of companies with a track record of safety violations. She urged state legislators to reintroduce the "Bad Actor" bill, which would block companies with a history of environmental incidents from receiving permits to operate in Georgia. This legislation was introduced earlier this year but failed to gain traction in the Georgia General Assembly.

“I’m sheltering in my home today along with many others in Metro Atlanta to avoid a toxic chlorine plume that appears to be connected to the massive chemical plant fire in Conyers this weekend. We already have enough to deal with following Hurricane Helene,” Gayer told Environment America. “The repeated fires at this facility raise important concerns that require action. First, the Georgia General Assembly should reintroduce, strengthen, and pass ‘Bad Actor’ legislation in the next session that would block companies with a dangerous track record from receiving permits to pollute in Georgia. Second, we need to make sure our state and federal environmental agencies have the resources they need to hold polluting companies to account. This kind of toxic exposure is not acceptable.”

With fires at chemical plants continuing to occur, many believe that federal and state agencies must work together to hold companies accountable for their safety practices. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board has called for increased regulation of hazardous materials, particularly those that are reactive and pose a significant risk to human health and the environment.

 

The Path Forward

As BioLab works to clean up the aftermath of the fire, residents of Conyers and the surrounding areas remain cautious. Although officials have reassured the public that air quality is improving, the memory of this fire, combined with the company’s history of incidents, has left many feeling uneasy. For now, residents are left with the hope that lawmakers will take action to prevent similar disasters in the future.

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