The BioLab chemical plant fire in Georgia was a significant environmental incident that exposed nearby residents to toxic chemicals, leading to serious health and property concerns. Now, a number of class action lawsuits have been filed against BioLab and its parent company, KIK Consumer Products, after the fire that was still affecting thousands by early October — a blaze that could impact the population of people living nearby for years to come. If you or a loved one was affected by the BioLab chemical plant fire, you may be entitled to compensation through a lawsuit.
What Happened at the BioLab Chemical Plant Fire?
On September 29, 2024, a fire broke out on the roof of the BioLab chemical plant facility in Conyers, Georgia, according to KTNV-TV/13 Action News, an ABC affiliate. This triggered a malfunctioning sprinkler head and caused water to interact with a water-reactive chemical held at the plant, Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel said. The resulting cloud of smoke went into the atmosphere and could be seen and inhaled for miles.
“Mandatory evacuation orders were put in place for those who lived around the facility, and a shelter-in-place was set for Rockdale County, with Georgia officials ‘strongly’ advising all businesses to be closed and residents to stay home with their windows and doors shut and air conditioning kept off as the Environmental Protection Agency conducted air quality tests,” the outlet noted.
“These tests later confirmed the presence of chlorine in the air from the plume.”
Impact of BioLab Fire
One plaintiff in a class action lawsuit that followed the fire said the chemical smoke has led her and her relatives to have “significant nasal irritation, light-headedness, fatigue, nausea and severe emotional distress.”
Attorneys are now representing thousands who may face both short and long-term health issues from the chemical lab fire. “It never should have happened. I never thought I’d see the day that Georgia is on fire,” Attorney L. Chris Stewart told Channel 2 Action News.
“When I used to work for the EPA, our job was to investigate tragedies like this. And now the air in Georgia is being destroyed.”
Although Rockdale County emergency officials lifted the shelter-in-place order on September 30 after the EPA said the level of chlorine it detected in the air was “unlikely to cause harm to most people,” overnight the next day, subsequent monitoring detected elevated chlorine levels around the facility, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency reported. Residents were left wondering when the air in their community would truly be safe to breathe.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that inhaling chlorine gas can cause mucus, coughing, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, dermatitis, hypoxemia, and burning of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Those affected by environmental incidents such as this have the right to seek justice and hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence. If you or your loved ones have suffered due to the BioLab chemical plant fire, you may be eligible for compensation. This could include damages for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and property damage caused by the release of harmful chemicals.
Work With Phillips Law Group on a BioLab Chemical Fire Lawsuit
Our law firm is committed to helping victims of toxic exposure. People who were impacted by the BioLab fire may be able to pursue justice through individual or class action lawsuits, and our team can help.
Phillips Law Group understands the complexities of environmental litigation and the lasting impact these incidents can have on a community. With extensive experience in handling cases related to toxic exposure, our attorneys can guide you through the legal process, advocating for your rights every step of the way.
If you’ve experienced health problems or property damage due to the BioLab chemical fire, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your pain.
Let us help you protect your rights and achieve the justice you deserve. Call 602-222-2222 to learn more now.
Available 24/7