By: Greg Lewis
Published on Sept. 30, 2024, 3:45p.m.EST
Rockdale County, GA- authorities are urging Rockdale residents to continue to shelter in place, in the wake of the BioLab chemical fire that sent plumes of thick smoke into the air throughout Sunday, Sept.29.
Today, Sept.30, the Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Enviornmental Protection Division (EPD) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a public news release stating that residents should remain inside, keep their windows and doors closed and turn off AC/ heating units to avoid contact with harmful fumes from the fire.
Meanwhile, residents in surrounding communities have also been affected by the BioLab fire, describing the strong smell of bleach and chemicals in the air, officials said today. Exposure to chlorine can cause burning of the eyes, nose and mouth, coughing, choking, nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Thousands of Rockdale Residents were evacuated and sent to shelters on Sunday officials said. Roads were shut down, along with part of I-20, as the chemical fire continued to burn with winds sending huge plumes of smoke in unpredictable directions, including into neighborhoods in DeKalb, Gwinnett and Newton Counties, several entities are now reporting.
Rockdale County government officials said air quality surveys conducted by EPA and EPD, have revealed the harmful irritant chlorine, detected in the air emitting from the Bio Lab fire.
“For everyone sheltering in place, the best practice is to turn the air conditioning off and keep windows and doors shut,” Rockdale County government officials stated.
Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) issued the following statement on the latest information concerning the BioLab chemical fire that is affecting air quality in the Fourth Congressional District and beyond:
“Our office, in conjunctions with local, state and federal officials, are monitoring the situation in Conyers closely. This has become a regional issue as people throughout the metro area are experiencing a strong chemical smell, hazy conditions, and other symptoms such as irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. People should stay inside, close windows and doors and turn off air conditioning and other ventilation systems, particularly for people with pre-existing respiratory conditions and the elderly.
“My office is working with federal, state, and local officials to get the latest information to constituents. Rockdale, DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Fulton County Emergency Management Agencies are monitoring air quality and will issue advisories if needed.”
Please continue to monitor Rockdale County’s social media and website (www.rockdalecountyga.gov) for all updates.
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