BioLab Chemical Plant Fire Lawsuit
The BioLab chemical fire in Conyers, Georgia released harmful toxins into the air, putting those nearby at risk of serious health problems. Impacted residents may be able to file a BioLab lawsuit and pursue compensation.
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we’ve helped thousands of victims hold powerful corporations accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Simmons Hanly Conroy is no longer accepting BioLab cases.
What’s Going On with the Georgia BioLab Fire Lawsuit?
On September 29, 2024, a fire at the BioLab chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia sent thick plumes of hazardous smoke into the air.
The smoke contained chlorine and hydrochloric acid, which are both considered poisonous. Exposure can cause serious respiratory issues and other health problems.
Over 100,000 residents were told to evacuate or shelter in place. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency also warned residents to stay indoors, keep their windows closed, and avoid running air conditioners.
BioLab, which manufactures chemicals for swimming pools and spas on behalf of Kik Consumer Products, has a history of negligence. There have been multiple major incidents at the plant since 2004.
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we have over 25 years of experience securing compensation from negligent companies like BioLab.
Cause of the BioLab Explosion in Conyers
The Conyers BioLab facility manufactured pool cleaning products that contain trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA). This chemical gradually dissolves in water and releases chlorine.
When a sprinkler malfunctioned at the plant, TCCA was exposed to small amounts of water and didn’t properly dissolve. This triggered a chemical reaction that caused the fire and released toxic chlorine gas.
Although the fire was originally controlled, it reignited when products were being removed from the building.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time BioLab’s Conyers facility has had fires that prompted highway closures and evacuations. The company was investigated for similar incidents that took place in 2004, 2016, and 2020.
A $7 million settlement was made available to residents and business owners impacted by the 2004 BioLab fire, which caused 300 people to evacuate.
BioLab has repeatedly failed to safely store their reactive chemicals and prevent them from getting wet. This ongoing issue has once again put members of the community at risk
Who Can Join the Class Action Lawsuit Against BioLab?
The toxic chemicals in the Conyers BioLab plume caused health issues, disrupted businesses and daily life, and led to significant inconveniences for those who needed to shelter in place or evacuate to a new location.
Anyone impacted by the Georgia chemical plant incident may be able to file a lawsuit against BioLab, including:
- Residents and families
- Businesses
- First responders
- Property owners
- Local governments
By filing a BioLab lawsuit, victims may be able to secure compensation for inconvenience, medical bills, lost wages, relocation costs, and more.
Air Contamination Risks in Rockdale County, Georgia
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been tracking the air quality throughout Rockdale County for chlorine and other compounds.
The EPA has noted that the action level for chlorine in the air is .05 ppm (parts per million), which is when vulnerable members of the public — like children or those with prior health conditions — may be at risk.
One sensor found that chlorine levels in the air were 22 times higher than the action level, according to a local meteorologist.
It’s important to note that the air quality around Conyers may fluctuate. In the evenings, air tends to settle, which allows chlorine gas to concentrate near the ground. This could affect the air quality in areas that were previously deemed safe.
When the fire at BioLab first began, the plume of smoke could be seen from more than 30 miles away. Shifts in the wind caused the toxic smoke to drift toward metro Atlanta, raising alarms for surrounding communities.
The long-term and widespread effects of this incident on air quality and public health remain unknown at this time.
Get Help from Our BioLab Lawsuit Lawyers
When companies like BioLab are careless with toxic chemicals, innocent families, business owners, and communities face the greatest impact.
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we have decades of experience holding negligent companies accountable and seeking justice for those they’ve harmed.
Our team has secured more than $10.9 billion for families nationwide.
There are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our BioLab lawsuit lawyers. We only get paid if you do.
Georgia BioLab Fire Lawsuit FAQs
Where is the BioLab fire in Georgia?
The BioLab fire occurred at a chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia. This small city is around 25 miles east of Atlanta.
A shelter-in-place was announced for all of Rockdale County, where the smell of chlorine and hazy conditions remained for days after the fire.
What chemicals does BioLab produce?
BioLab produces chemicals used to treat the water at swimming pools and spas, including trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA). While TCCA is harmless when fully dissolved, it’s highly reactive when mixed with small amounts of water in its undissolved form.
In these instances, TCCA undergoes a chemical reaction and begins to decompose, releasing heat and chlorine gas.
Chlorine gas is highly toxic and can cause severe respiratory issues, including coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and irritation to the eyes and throat.
What are the symptoms of chlorine gas exposure?
Symptoms of chlorine gas exposure from BioLab may include:
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Eye and airway irritation
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
Pregnant and elderly residents, as well as those with underlying health conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may be at an increased risk of experiencing severe health effects.
What caused the BioLab explosion in Georgia?
A sprinkler system malfunctioned at the BioLab facility. When water from the sprinklers came into contact with chemicals stored at the plant, the chemicals underwent a reaction that generated heat and released dangerous gasses.
The combination of trichloroisocyanuric acid and water produced a plume of toxic chlorine gas that has remained in the air for days.
Is there a class action lawsuit against BioLab?
Yes. A class action lawsuit has been filed against BioLab and Kik Consumer Products, Inc., alleging their negligence at the Conyers plant endangered thousands of nearby residents.
Reviewed by:Jo Anna Pollock- Fact-Checked
- Legal Reviewer
Attorney Jo Anna Pollock is a partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy in the Complex Litigation Department, where she focuses on public nuisance, class actions, sex abuse and environmental litigation. She devotes her practice to representing people, county governments and businesses that have been harmed through the wrongdoing of others. Jo Anna works on cases nationwide through all stages of the litigation process. She has spent the last 25 years in trial and appellate courts across the country securing more than a billion dollars on behalf of her clients.