Chemical Exposure and the Residents of Georgia
Many chemicals are harmful to human health. Chemical plants are set up away from residential areas to prevent these harmful effects. Sometimes accidents may happen at chemical plants, which can affect not only humans but also animals and plants.
The industry and agriculture sectors in Georgia heavily rely on the production and use of chemicals. Sometimes, accidents like water contamination, chemical spills, and air pollution have detrimental effects on the lives of the residents. These effects are determined by the nature, concentration, and duration of the chemical exposure.
Specifically, chlorine exposure can result in acute and chronic health issues, causing widespread problems in communities. Chlorine gas, even in small quantities, can cause severe respiratory distress, coughing, and irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. Prolonged or high-concentration exposure may lead to lung damage or pulmonary edema.
A Recent Chemical Disaster in Conyers, Georgia
The BioLab facility is located in Conyers, which is about 32 miles southeast of Atlanta. It primarily produces chemicals used for cleaning and pool maintenance, including trichloroisocyanuric acid (trichlor). Trichlor is a widely used disinfectant for pools but can be highly reactive, particularly when exposed to water.
If water inadvertently gets mixed with the trichlor, it results in a chemical reaction that releases chlorine gas into the atmosphere. [1]
2024 BioLab Chemical Disaster
In September 2024, Georgia residents experienced a severe chemical disaster when a fire erupted at the BioLab plant in Conyers. The fire began early on Sunday, September 29, when a sprinkler system malfunctioned and mixed with water-reactive chemicals, producing toxic smoke.
The smoke was seen billowing in large, multicolored clouds, forcing local authorities to evacuate around 17,000 residents in the surrounding area. Additionally, more than 90,000 residents were advised to shelter in place as the fire spread, leading to a temporary closure of I-20, one of the major highways in the area. [2]
The smoke, which included chlorine and other hazardous chemicals, presented significant health risks to residents. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other local agencies began testing air quality to monitor contamination levels, warning that the air could remain hazardous for days.
This incident is reminiscent of the 2020 BioLab fire. It reignited concerns over chemical exposure and safety in the region.
The 2020 BioLab Incident
In 2020, there was an incident at the same facility which involved the closure of a major highway and business evacuations. The event occurred on September 14, 2020, when water exposure caused trichloroisocyanuric acid (a pool chemical) to react, releasing chlorine gas.
Firefighters responded to the scene early in the morning, around 6 a.m., after receiving reports of smoke billowing from the facility. Initially described as a fire, further investigation revealed that no actual flames were present. Instead, the heat generated from the reaction created a vapor cloud of toxic chlorine gas. This reaction affected about 10-12 pallets of chemicals stored within the warehouse.
Emergency responders quickly closed I-20 in both directions for more than 6 hours, as the smoke posed significant risks to motorists. Local businesses in the vicinity were evacuated, and nearby residents were told to shelter in place, meaning they were advised to stay indoors to avoid exposure to the toxic gas. Although no injuries were reported, the release of chlorine gas was a major concern for public health. [3]
While emergency crews managed to contain the chemical reaction, the risk posed by the vapor cloud remained high until it dissipated. Specialized air monitoring systems were deployed to ensure the safety of both the public and the responding firefighters.
This incident was not the first at the BioLab facility. It occurred just two weeks after another chemical fire at BioLab’s sister facility in Westlake, Louisiana, which had been ravaged by Hurricane Laura. The recurring nature of these accidents raises ongoing concerns about the safety protocols at chemical plants like BioLab.
After the incident, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board and local authorities launched investigations to determine the cause of the reaction and to prevent future occurrences. Although the company quickly responded, working closely with local emergency services to manage the situation, the proximity of such facilities to residential areas remains a significant concern for local communities. While no injuries were reported in the incident, it caused widespread evacuations and closure of highways.
Need for Stricter Regulations
Residents in Georgia expressed frustration over the frequency of incidents at the plant. These repeated incidents have drawn attention to the need for stricter regulatory oversight and better safety protocols at industrial plants in Georgia. In 2023, a report published on the lab highlighted the facility did not implement the 2010 PHA recommendations. It also noted that BioLab did not conform to some of the Hazardous Material Codes. [4]
Symptoms of Chlorine Exposure
Chlorine is widely used for water purification and as an industrial agent, but improper exposure can lead to severe health effects. As a gas, chlorine is greenish-yellow and highly irritating to the respiratory system. When dissolved in water, it forms hypochlorous acid, which can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation.
The potential symptoms of chlorine exposure depend on the form (gas or liquid), concentration, and length of exposure.
Respiratory Effects
When chlorine gas is inhaled, it can rapidly affect the respiratory system. Even at low concentrations, chlorine exposure can lead to symptoms such as: [5]
- Coughing and throat irritation
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Wheezing or chest tightness
- A burning sensation in the nose, throat, and lungs
In severe cases, such as exposure to high levels of chlorine, individuals may experience pulmonary edema, a condition where fluid builds up in the lungs, making breathing extremely difficult and potentially fatal without medical intervention. Pulmonary edema can develop hours after exposure, making it a delayed but serious consequence.
Eye and Skin Irritation
Chlorine, whether in gas or liquid form, is highly corrosive to human tissue. Contact with the skin can cause immediate irritation, redness, & chemical burns, particularly at higher concentrations. If chlorine gas comes into contact with the eyes, it may result in: [5]
- Redness and tearing
- Pain and blurred vision
- Conjunctivitis or inflammation of the eye’s outer membrane In some cases, extended exposure can lead to more severe damage, including permanent eye injury or blindness if not treated promptly.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Accidental ingestion of chlorine, through contaminated drinking water, can cause: [5]
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- A burning sensation in the mouth, throat, and stomach. Ingesting chlorine is particularly dangerous because it can lead to internal burns and other significant gastrointestinal damage, making immediate medical attention critical.
Long-term Effects
Prolonged exposure to low levels of chlorine, especially in occupational settings, can lead to chronic respiratory issues such as asthma or bronchitis. Workers who handle chlorine regularly may develop hypersensitivity, where even minimal exposure can trigger severe respiratory reactions.
Environmental Concerns
The BioLab incident raises questions about environmental safety. Chlorine, when combined with organic matter in the air or water, can produce harmful byproducts such as chloramines and dioxins, which are toxic to humans and wildlife. These chemicals may persist in the environment long after the fire, causing further contamination of soil and water sources. This is particularly concerning in Georgia, where agricultural activities and water supplies are crucial for local economies and ecosystems.
Chemical exposure remains a critical issue for many residents in Georgia, particularly in areas where agricultural practices and industrial activity are prominent. Chlorine, in particular, poses a significant risk due to its widespread use in water treatment and its potential to cause serious respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal issues upon exposure. While regulations and preventive measures help limit these dangers, ongoing vigilance and education are crucial in safeguarding the health of Georgia’s population.
If you are a Georgia resident who has been exposed to hazardous chemicals, contact Goldberg & Loren for a free consultation today.
FAQs
The industry and agriculture sectors in Georgia rely heavily on chemical production, leading to exposure risks from spills, water contamination, and air pollution.
Chlorine can cause severe respiratory issues, coughing, and eye irritation. Prolonged exposure may result in lung damage or pulmonary edema.
A fire at the BioLab plant in Conyers released chlorine gas, forcing the evacuation of 17,000 people and shelter-in-place orders for over 90,000.
Sources:
[1] Craig, J., & Delgado, S. (2024, September 30). A big fire at a lab near Atlanta spewed chemicals into the air. Here’s what we know. Vox. https://www.vox.com/climate/374950/georgia-chemical-plant-fire-biolab-conyers-atlanta-chlorine
[2] 90,000 Georgia residents sheltering after chemical plant fire sent chlorine into the air. (2024, September 30). CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fire-georgia-chemical-plant/
[3] Chem reaction closes Bio-Lab Georgia plant. (2024, November 7). Service Industry News. https://www.serviceindustrynews.net/2020/09/29/chem-reaction-closes-bio-lab-georgia-plant/
[4] Trichloroisocyanuric acid reaction, decomposition, and … (n.d.-m). https://www.csb.gov/assets/1/6/biolab_investigation_report_2023-4-24.pdf
[5] GDPR Support. (n.d.). https://www.ajc.com/news/crime/conyers-chemical-plant-fire-what-to-know/
