We Go The Extra Distance For Our Clients
Practice Areas
Conyers BioLab Lawsuit
The Atlanta chemical exposure attorney team at Ashenden & Associates is ready to help those affected by the recent BioLab fire at the BioLab plant in Conyers, GA. A chlorine-laden cloud rolled through Rockdale County following the fire, exposing over 17,000 Rockdale County residents to toxic chemicals and extremely hazardous vapors. Multiple explosions and huge fire incidents have been associated with BioLab, a subsidiary of KIK Consumer Products, whose revenue totaled $1.2 billion last year. At least three chemical fire incidents have occurred within the BioLab facility in Conyers, GA, in the past seven years. Despite record-setting profits, BioLab continues to neglect chemical safety, putting residents of Rockdale County at serious health risks.
Our Sandy Springs and Atlanta fire accident lawyers are dedicated to holding negligent chemical plants, like BioLab, accountable for preventable fires and explosions in our communities. Our Atlanta chemical exposure attorneys offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, so victims of the BioLab fire in Conyers, Georgia, won’t owe any legal fees unless our law firm secures financial compensation through a Conyers BioLab lawsuit
Call 770-394-8909 to see how our Atlanta chemical exposure lawyers can help.
Latest Conyers BioLab Fire Lawsuit Update
Recently, a Conyers BioLab fire sent massive plumes of toxic smoke into the air, containing chlorine and hydrochloric acid throughout Rockdale County. Toxic air exposure can lead to severe respiratory problems as well as long-term health issues.
Rockdale County officials told over 90,000 residents to evacuate their homes if they were in the evacuation zone. For Rockdale County residents told to shelter in place, the Georgia Emergency Response team urged them to stay inside their homes and avoid using their air conditioners due to air quality issues.
BioLab and its parent company have a long history of negligent behavior, putting residents near their facilities in several locations, which we discuss below.
There has recently been a class action lawsuit filed against BioLab for the widespread damage the BioLab explosion caused the residents of Atlanta and all throughout Rockdale County.
At Ashenden & Associates, our Atlanta chemical exposure lawyers have decades of experience helping fire and explosion accident victims obtain fair compensation from major corporations, such as KIK Consumer Products and child company, BioLab.
If you’re ready to pursue a Conyers BioLab fire lawsuit, contact our lawyers for a free consultation.
What Caused the BioLab Conyers, GA Explosion?
The cause of the BioLab explosion in Conyers, GA, is still under investigation, but early reports suggest that the BioLabfire and subsequent explosion may have been related to negligent storage of decomposing chemicals. The BioLab plant in Rockdale County, which manufactures swimming pool and chlorine-based cleaning products, is known to store large quantities of chemicals that can become volatile under certain conditions, such as exposure to heat or improper handling.
According to staff, the BioLab fire started Sunday, September 29, at around 5:30 a.m. BioLab representatives state that a sprinkler head malfunctioned, causing water to contact a water-reactive chemical, causing the BioLab roof fire, which later progressed into a huge smoke cloud that could be seen over 30 miles away.
A sprinkler malfunction doesn’t explain the whole store of the BioLab fire and the resulting air quality issues for the residents of Rockdale County.
Four years ago, in September 2020, a chemical fire at the same Conyers facility prompted authorities to shut down Interstate 20 on both sides during the morning rush hour traffic. BioLab workers attempted to move active chemicals away from chemicals that were decomposing to prevent a major explosion, but authorities stated the forklifts continued to slide on the facility’s wet floor as the toxic fumes began to form. In Conyer’s BioLab fire incident, the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board later determined that firefighters’ access was blocked by poorly stacked pallets of toxic materials. For this event, nine firefighters went to local hospitals after inhaling hazardous vapors.
Because of the negligence shown in the 2020 accident that resulted in injuries to at least nine people and negligence shown in the 2004 and 2016 incidents, investigators are looking into whether chemical reactions, inadequate storage conditions, or mechanical failures contributed to the explosion, which led to the release of a chlorine-laden cloud that impacted our fellow citizens of Rockdale County.
As more information becomes available, further details about the specific cause will likely emerge.
Who Can Join the Biolab Explosion Class Action Lawsuit in Conyers or Atlanta?
The Conyers BioLab fire affected residents of Atlanta and Rockdale County in a number of ways. If you’ve suffered health issues, had disruptions in business activity, or needed to find a temporary shelter, you may be entitled to compensation through a Conyers BioLab lawsuit.
Toxic Air Risks for Rockdale County, Georgia Residents
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air quality throughout Atlanta and Rockdale County is toxic at this point, noting chlorine levels in the air were at least 22x higher, posing significant risks for residents. Children, as well as residents with asthma, respiratory issues, or heart issues, are at an increased risk.
For those told to shelter in place, please understand that air quality levels have always fluctuated in Atlanta, so areas deemed safe at one time may not always have safe air quality. The toxic smoke from the BioLab fire could be seen over 30 miles away, which raises the question of whether anyone is safe in this area.
Atlanta and Conyers, GA, will feel the effects of BioLab’s negligence for years to come.
Biolab Chlorine Fire Health Risks for Residents of Atlanta and Conyers, GA
Breathing in chlorine and hydrochloric acid fumes can pose serious health risks, particularly when the exposure is significant, such as with the September 2024 BioLab explosion. Here are the potential health risks associated with inhaling these substances together:
Chemical Burns: Both chemicals are corrosive and can cause burns to the mucous membranes in the nose, throat, and lungs. This can lead to pain, swelling, and breathing difficulties. Our Atlanta chemical burn lawyers have extensive experience handling these claims.
Bronchospasm: Inhaling these fumes can cause the airways to constrict, leading to wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing, especially in individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Pulmonary Edema: Exposure to high levels of chlorine and hydrochloric acid can cause fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a serious condition that makes breathing extremely difficult and can be life-threatening.
Chemical Pneumonitis: The combined exposure can cause inflammation of the lungs and airways, leading to chemical pneumonitis, a condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Airway Burns: Both chemicals can cause severe chemical burns to the mouth, throat, and lungs when inhaled, leading to pain, swelling, and even permanent damage to the respiratory system.
Burning Eyes and Skin Irritation: Chlorine and hydrochloric acid can cause significant irritation to the eyes and skin, leading to redness, burning, and potentially chemical burns on contact.
Nausea, Dizziness, and Headaches: Inhalation of chlorine and hydrochloric acid fumes can also lead to general discomfort, including nausea, dizziness, headaches, and confusion due to the toxic effects of the chemicals.
Cardiac Complications: Severe exposure may lead to heart complications, particularly in individuals with preexisting conditions. This could include arrhythmias or other heart-related issues due to stress on the body from impaired breathing.
Long-Term Respiratory Damage: A single high-exposure event or repeated low-level exposure can lead to long-term respiratory issues such as chronic bronchitis, asthma-like conditions, and decreased lung capacity.
If you or anyone else is exposed to both chlorine and hydrochloric acid, especially if you were given a shelter in place order, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention, especially if there are symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent coughing, or signs of fluid in the lungs. Then, contact our Atlanta chemical exposure lawyers to discuss a BioLab lawsuit.
How Our Chemical Exposure Lawyer Team Can Help Rockdale County Residents
For residents affected by the Conyers BioLab plant fire, our Atlanta chemical exposure lawyer group is ready to fight for your rights. The release of toxic chlorine and hydrochloric acid fumes has endangered the health and safety of thousands, leading to severe respiratory issues, property damage, and long-term health concerns. If you’ve been impacted by the Conyers BioLab explosion, whether through health complications, evacuation costs, or environmental hazards, our Atlanta personal injury lawyers will work to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Our Chemical Exposure Lawyers Can Help BioLab Employees in Georgia
If you’re a BioLab worker who was exposed to dangerous chemicals or suffered injuries during the Conyers BioLab fire incident, you have the right to seek financial compensation, as well. Our experienced Atlanta chemical exposure attorneys will help you pursue claims for workplace injuries, health risks, and unsafe working conditions. Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe work environment, and when they fail, workers have the right to take legal action. Our Atlanta work injury lawyers will ensure that you receive the medical treatment and financial compensation you are entitled to.
Conyers BioLab Class Action Lawsuit Attorney in Atlanta and Sandy Springs, GA
At Ashenden & Associates, we are leading efforts to represent those affected by the BioLab explosion through a class action lawsuit. If you or a loved one has suffered from toxic exposure, business losses, or other damages due to BioLab’s negligence, you may be eligible to join the BioLab class action lawsuit. Our BioLab lawsuit attorneys in Atlanta and Sandy Springs are committed to holding BioLab and its parent company, KIK Consumer Products, accountable for their gross negligence. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you recover from this disaster.
