Fire at Conyers Chemical Plant Sparks Evacuation Orders and Health Warnings

Fire at Conyers Chemical Plant Raises Public Health Concerns

A thick plume of smoke from a fire at a chemical plant in Conyers is casting uncertainty over metro Atlanta, raising questions about the health impacts and what exactly is burning. The fire, which started at the BioLab factory known for manufacturing pool and spa chemicals, has been smoldering since Sunday. By Tuesday, despite efforts to control it, the smoke was expected to linger throughout the week.

Evacuation Orders and School Closures

Approximately 17,000 residents near the plant were issued evacuation orders. Thousands more received advice to shelter in place, and sections of Interstate 20 had to be closed. Although Rockdale County schools were on fall break, nearby Newton County Schools remained closed on Monday and Tuesday. Fallout from the incident continued to affect other school districts, leading to the cancellation of outdoor after-school activities.

Air Quality Concerns

Public health officials assured that the air quality remains within safe limits despite the burning of substances like chlorines, chloramine, and chlorine compounds. However, they disclosed few details on specific chemicals present in the smoke. Dr. Lynn Paxton, interim health director for the Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale Health District, stated in a press conference that chemical levels reported so far are below thresholds known to cause symptoms in most people.

Health Advisory

Residents in Atlanta might experience watery eyes and scratchy throats that should clear up as the smoke dissipates. Those living closer to the burning plant may face more severe symptoms like coughing and respiratory issues, which could be especially detrimental to individuals with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Carmen Marsit, a professor of environmental health at Emory University, advised people with serious symptoms to consult their medical providers.

EPA Testing and Findings

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set up testing sites near the plant, checking for chemicals such as hydrogen chloride, chlorine, and hydrogen sulfide. The agency’s findings noted a strong chlorine smell but indicated it wasn’t harmful. Though chlorine levels were mostly below the action threshold of 0.5 parts per million, they briefly exceeded this level at two monitoring stations between Monday night and Tuesday morning.

Continued Safety Measures

Rockdale County officials advised residents to stay indoors if the smoke plume is nearby and to keep windows and doors closed, ensuring air conditioners recirculate indoor air. It was noted that N95 masks are unlikely to offer protection as chlorine compounds are too small to be filtered. The pollution levels could worsen at night and may persist throughout the week.

Ongoing Concerns and Lack of Transparency

Despite reassurances, some health experts demand more transparency regarding the chemicals burning in the plant to estimate the genuine health risks. Roby Greenwald, an associate professor at Georgia State University’s School of Public Health, mentioned that without knowing the exact compositions, it’s hard to predict the short- and long-term health impacts of the smoke.
Greenwald also highlighted that the way air particulates are measured can matter significantly. For instance, PM2.5 measures fine inhalable particles but not their toxicity. Hence, while average readings might stay within safe limits, short bursts of high levels could still occur, causing health risks.

Community Impact

Residents of color and vulnerable populations near the factory might face higher health risks. Rockdale County, even before the fire, struggled with below-average health outcomes and higher-than-average air pollution rates. The county’s demographics are about 61% Black and 11% Hispanic, with 18% of children living in poverty.

History of Fires and Future Safeguards

This isn’t the first fire incident at BioLab plants, raising questions about the company’s safety practices. An inspection report from a fire at the same plant in 2020 did not include the chemical inventory, as the company marked it as “confidential business information.” Such incidents call for more stringent safety measures and transparency to ensure community safety now and in the future.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Environmental Protection Division, which also oversees the plant, is yet to provide detailed information about past and future safety measures concerning BioLab facilities.