BioLab Chemical Fire Lawsuit
Georgia Attorneys for Harmful Chlorine Exposure and Personal Injury Claims
In September 2024, a fire at the BioLab plant in Conyers, Georgia, released dangerous levels of chlorine gas into the air, impacting the health of thousands of residents who were forced to evacuate or shelter in place.
Negligence on the part of BioLab may have contributed to this disaster, and those affected have the right to seek justice.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to chlorine gas and are experiencing respiratory issues or other health complications, our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys is here to help you pursue a potential claim and seek compensation for the physical and emotional harm caused by this disaster. Further, if you were forced to miss time from work or had to close your business in the evacuation zone, you may also have a potential claim.
Contact the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C. today for a free and confidential consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options.
What happened at the BioLab Plant in Conyers, Georgia?
On September 29, 2024, a major fire broke out at the BioLab chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, located about 25 miles east of Atlanta.
The incident allegedly occurred early in the morning when a malfunctioning sprinkler system caused water to mix with a water-reactive chemical used in the production of BioLab’s pool and spa products.
This chemical reaction triggered the release of potentially harmful and toxic chlorine gas, which spread quickly throughout Rockdale County and impacted nearby areas, including Fulton County, DeKalb County, and Gwinnett County.
What caused the BioLab Fire?
The fire allegedly began when the plant’s sprinkler system malfunctioned, allowing water to come into contact with chlorine-based chemicals stored on-site.
Chlorine, a highly reactive substance, produces toxic gas when it mixes with water, and this led to a massive plume of chlorine gas being released into the surrounding air.
Firefighters initially contained the fire, but it reignited later in the day, making the situation even more dangerous.
The fire has since been extinguished, but the long-term health effects of chlorine exposure remain a significant concern for local residents.
What does BioLab manufacture?
BioLab manufactures pool and spa treatment products, including chlorine and other water treatment chemicals.
The plant produces well-known brands such as BioGuard and SpaGuard, which are commonly used to maintain the cleanliness of pool and spa water.
Chlorine, which is essential in these products, was the primary chemical involved in the fire.
When exposed to water, the chlorine reacted violently, leading to the release of the potentially harmful gas that caused the mass evacuation and shelter-in-place orders.
What are the symptoms of chlorine gas exposure?
Chlorine gas is a chemical that can pose serious health risks, particularly for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, COPD, or other respiratory issues.
Exposure to chlorine gas, like that released in the BioLab chemical fire, can cause a range of debilitating symptoms.
If you or your loved ones have experienced any of the following potentially due to the BioLab chemical plant fire, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Then, consult with a personal injury lawyer to understand your potential legal options.
Common symptoms of chlorine gas exposure include:
- Coughing and wheezing: Chlorine gas is a potent irritant to the respiratory system. Inhalation can cause immediate coughing and wheezing, as the gas irritates the lining of the lungs and airways. This can be especially dangerous for those with existing respiratory conditions like asthma, where even minimal exposure can exacerbate symptoms.
- Difficulty breathing: Chlorine exposure can lead to shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, as the gas inflames the airways and restricts airflow. Severe exposure can result in respiratory distress, requiring immediate medical intervention. Prolonged exposure may even cause long-term damage to lung function.
- Burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat: The eyes, nose, and throat are particularly vulnerable to chlorine gas. Exposure can cause a painful burning sensation in these areas, as the gas reacts with moisture in the body to form hydrochloric acid. This irritation can lead to watering eyes, a sore throat, and a runny nose.
- Skin irritation and burns: Direct contact with chlorine gas can result in skin irritation or chemical burns, especially in moist areas of the body. Individuals exposed to higher concentrations may experience redness, blistering, or even severe burns if exposed for an extended period.
- Chest pain and tightness: Chlorine gas can trigger chest pain and tightness, making it difficult to take deep breaths. This symptom is often associated with respiratory irritation and can indicate more severe lung damage. It is particularly alarming for those with underlying heart or lung conditions.
What are the long-term health effects of chlorine exposure?
Chlorine exposure can have serious long-term health consequences, particularly for people exposed to high concentrations or for extended periods.
The gas is a powerful irritant to the respiratory system, and prolonged exposure can lead to conditions such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, or other persistent lung issues.
In more severe cases, people may experience permanent lung damage, making it difficult to breathe or engage in physical activities.
Long-term effects may also include scarring of the lung tissue (pulmonary fibrosis), which can lead to ongoing respiratory problems.
People with pre-existing conditions, such as COPD or asthma, may see a worsening of their symptoms after chlorine exposure, and even those without prior health issues can develop chronic respiratory conditions.
If you believe you’ve been affected by chlorine exposure following the BioLab chemical fire, it’s crucial to seek medical testing to assess potential long-term damage.
In addition, consulting with a lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and pursue compensation for ongoing medical care.
Who is responsible for the BioLab chemical fire?
Preliminary investigations into the BioLab chemical fire suggest that faulty safety equipment at the plant may have been a significant factor in the incident.
The malfunctioning sprinkler system, which mixed water with water-reactive chemicals, likely triggered the release of the dangerous chlorine gas.
BioLab has a history of safety violations, including alleged multiple hazardous material incidents over the past two decades, raising serious concerns about their safety protocols and the maintenance of equipment at their facilities.
Given BioLab's record and the details emerging from this incident, there may be grounds for a lawsuit based on negligence.
If it is proven that BioLab failed to maintain its safety systems or comply with industry regulations properly, they could be held responsible for the harms and losses caused to local residents.
Those affected by chlorine exposure from the fire may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Our legal team is here to investigate these claims and hold BioLab accountable for any wrongdoing.
Compensation for BioLab chemical exposure victims
Residents affected by the Georgia chemical plant fire are entitled to explore legal action for the damages and health issues caused by chlorine exposure.
At the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C., we help victims of toxic exposure and industrial accidents pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including treatments and long-term care
- Lost wages due to missed work from evacuation or illness
- Pain and suffering for the distress caused by the incident
Our Georgia personal injury attorneys will investigate the case thoroughly, hold the responsible parties accountable, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact our Georgia chemical fire attorneys for a free consultation
If you or your loved ones were exposed to harmful chlorine gas due to the BioLab chemical fire in Georgia, you deserve legal representation that will fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C., our experienced Georgia toxic exposure attorneys are dedicated to holding responsible parties accountable.
We offer a free case evaluation and work on a contingency basis — meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
Our firm is working in conjunction with the law firm of Beasley Allen to pursue the investigation of these claims. Both firms assume joint responsibility for the representation of the client, and both firms will be splitting any potential attorney fee recovery.
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