Janice R. Andrews
Though the thick, toxic smoke from the BioLab fire in Conyers, Georgia has long dissipated, its repercussions are still evident, according to local residents. Many report ongoing health issues like worsening rashes, financial troubles, and persistent symptoms requiring numerous medications.
“My vision isn’t what it used to be,” shared Kisha Reid, a nurse who has consulted several doctors since the blaze spread chlorine fumes over the area. “I wonder if the chemicals have severely damaged it.” Reid and her husband, Akeno, continue to suffer from chronic symptoms like blurred vision, shortness of breath, and intense headaches. However, medical professionals haven’t been able to definitively link these ailments to the BioLab incident.
Akeno, a personal trainer, mentions that his headaches are so debilitating he can’t function properly. He has also faced significant financial losses due to the fire, estimating at least $20,000 in missed income, medical expenses, and cleanup costs. His businesses, including a transport service and an Airbnb property, suffered severe disruptions as clients canceled bookings and training sessions ceased amid the smoky conditions.
While a BioLab spokesperson stated that the company has been helping residents with reimbursement claims and debris removal, affected individuals like the Reids argue that no amount of monetary support can fully compensate for their health struggles and the ongoing fear of long-term consequences.
Veteran of BioLab Fires Suffers Again
This recent fire isn’t the first time Brandy Conner has had her life disrupted by a BioLab incident. Twenty years ago, a similar fire forced her to evacuate from her workplace, only to find that her home was directly in the path of the toxic smoke. Conner recalls the effects of the 2004 fire vividly, saying it caused nausea that lasted about a week. But she believes the 2023 blaze was far more catastrophic.
The fire ignited in a warehouse storing pool and spa sanitization chemicals like trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) and dichloroisocyanuric acid (DCCA). The blaze intensified when the sprinkler system malfunctioned, causing water to react with TCCA, releasing toxic chlorine gas and potentially explosive nitrogen trichloride. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board is still investigating the cause.
For days, a chemical haze covered neighborhoods miles away, even reaching parts of Atlanta, 30 miles from the site. Officials issued shelter-in-place orders for 90,000 residents, and 17,000 had to evacuate.
Conner, who works from home, experienced severe headaches following the fire, attributing them to chlorine exposure. Despite undergoing medical tests like an MRI and eye exam, doctors haven’t been able to find the cause of her daily headaches. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that chlorine exposure can cause irritation and lung damage depending on concentration levels and exposure duration.
Residents’ Struggles and Unresolved Symptoms
Kisha Reid displayed an assortment of medications she has used since the fire, including eye drops, creams for psoriasis flare-ups, and an inhaler for shortness of breath. Her vision remains blurry, and her preexisting psoriasis has worsened significantly. Her husband continues to experience severe headaches and shortness of breath, with doctors monitoring his condition for potential long-term effects.
While BioLab has advised affected individuals to seek medical help, the Reids feel uncertain about the compensation offered. The couple, who live in an upscale Conyers neighborhood, are contemplating moving due to their growing concerns about living near a chemical plant.
The economic impact of the disaster extends beyond health issues. Schools in the area were closed for three weeks, with 15,000 students switching to remote learning. Parents like Reid’s daughter lost income as they had to stay home with their children, leading to financial strains.
Legal Actions Against BioLab
Rockdale County has filed a lawsuit against BioLab and its parent company, KIK Consumer Products, seeking to shut down the plant permanently to prevent future hazardous emissions. The lawsuit claims the company failed to properly manage hazardous materials and maintain adequate fire suppression systems. The county is also seeking damages for the costs incurred during emergency response efforts, evacuation, and public health measures.
BioLab has not commented on the potential closure but confirmed that its distribution center resumed operations on November 4 after being cleared by authorities. However, manufacturing activities have not restarted and will only do so with official approval.
Residents like the Reids continue to grapple with health issues, financial losses, and the stress of living near a potentially hazardous facility, leaving them worried about the long-term consequences of the fire.
