BioLab Chemical Fire: Were You Affected?

Representing Clients in BioLab Chemical Fire Lawsuits

Burg Simpson is currently investigating the impact of the BioLab chemical fire on residents and employees in Conyers and Rockdale County, Georgia. You may be entitled to compensation for toxic chemical exposure.

On September 29, 2024, a fire broke out at the BioLab facility in Conyers, Georgia. The BioLab Conyers fire resulted in the release of multiple toxic chemicals into the air, including:

• Chlorine gas
• Bromine
• Hydrochloric acid
• Chloramine

BioLab manufactures chemicals for pools and spas. The Rockdale County BioLab fire was caused by a sprinkler head malfunction that “released water onto a reactive chemical.” Smoke from the fire lingered for several days after it was extinguished, leaving a persistent chlorine smell in the air around the southeastern Atlanta, Georgia metro area.

Local officials ordered approximately 17,000 residents to evacuate the area in and around Conyers, Georgia. A shelter-in-place order was issued for all of Rockdale County to minimize exposure to the harmful chemicals.

Burg Simpson is a nationally recognized personal injury firm with a major focus on personal injury and mass tort litigation. We encourage anyone who has suffered adverse health effects following the BioLab chemical fire in Conyers, GA, to call us at 888-895-2080 for a FREE and confidential case evaluation. A toxic chemical exposure lawyer can review your case and advise you of your legal rights and options.

Health Problems from BioLab Fire

Multiple health issues are associated with pool chemicals. People who suffer toxic chemical exposure (sometimes referred to as, “Lifeguard Lung”) may experience symptoms such as:

• Burning sensation in the throat, nose, and/or chest
• Difficulty breathing
• Irritation of the eyes
• Persistent cough, potentially with white or pinkish discharge
• Tightness of the chest
• Nausea and vomiting

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that children, seniors, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma) are most at risk from hazardous smoke exposure. It is also important to be aware of the signs of more significant exposure to smoke from the Rockdale County chemical fire.

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Symptoms of Chlorine Gas Exposure

Chlorine is used as a disinfectant in swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas. It kills bacteria, but it can also be harmful to humans in large enough concentrations.

People who inhale a large amount of chlorine gas may experience severe breathing problems right away. Other potential chlorine gas exposure symptoms may include:

• Swelling of the tissues inside the throat
• Chemical burns
• Vision loss
• Fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
• Abdominal pain
• Sudden onset of low blood pressure
• Acidosis (i.e., rapid buildup of acid inside the body; a drastic change in pH balance can result in widespread organ damage)
• Loss of sense of taste and/or smell

Symptoms of Hydrochloric Acid Exposure

Hydrochloric acid is a highly toxic and corrosive chemical. Inhalation of hydrochloric acid may lead to:

• Serious burns to the mouth and throat
• Coughing and wheezing
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Loss of sense of taste and/or smell

Significant exposure to hydrochloric acid is a medical emergency. Affected individuals may experience respiratory distress, chemical burns to the airways, cyanosis (a blue tint to the skin due to oxygen deprivation), and more.

Symptoms of Chloramine Exposure

Chloramines are formed when chlorine is combined with ammonia in water. The symptoms of exposure to chloramine are fairly similar to those associated with chlorine gas exposure, including cough, shortness of breath, irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, etc. 

Lifeguard Lung

One potential complication of inhaling chloramines is colloquially known as “Lifeguard Lung” (endemic granulomatous pneumonitis). Lifeguard Lung is an inflammation of the lung tissue that occurs when pool chemicals and other irritants are inhaled. It is most commonly experienced by lifeguards at indoor swimming pools and aquatic centers—hence the name.

Lifeguard Lung is generally considered a chronic condition (i.e., it occurs through ongoing or repeat exposure), but inflammation of the lungs may also result due to acute chloramine gas exposure. Symptoms may include:

• Persistent coughing
• Difficulty breathing and catching one’s breath (medically known as dyspnea)
• Fatigue
• Chest pain or tightness
• Flu-like symptoms
• Loss of sense of taste and/or smell

People with Lifeguard Lung are at risk for chronic breathing and respiratory health issues. Although the hazardous smoke in Atlanta may have subsided over time, It is crucial to be aware of the possible long-term effects and speak to a doctor if you are concerned.

Symptoms of Bromine Exposure

Bromine is used in some swimming pools and other facilities as an alternative to chlorine. When inhaled, bromine gas can cause:

• Irritation of the airways, including the nose, mouth, throat, and lungs
• Coughing and choking
• Headaches
• Severe irritation of the skin and eyes
• Pulmonary edema (in extreme concentrations)
• Confusion and disorientation
• Loss of sense of taste and/or smell

The symptoms and severity associated with bromine depend on how much of the gas is inhaled. An experienced lawyer can discuss the bromine exposure lawsuits in Rockdale County and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

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If you experience a medical emergency due to the BioLab Conyers fire, call 911 and seek medical treatment immediately. Those with asthma, allergies, and other health concerns should speak with their doctor and/or allergist. Finally, Georgia Poison Control has set up a non-emergency hotline for those experiencing non-emergency symptoms: 404-856-6252.

Are You Entitled to BioLab Conyers Fire Compensation?

At Burg Simpson, we are committed to pursuing toxic exposure compensation for residents of Conyers and Rockdale County, Georgia. Victims may be entitled to damages such as medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and more.

There is strength in numbers. With events like the BioLab chemical fire, it is critical for all of those impacted to make their voices heard and fight as one to hold the defendants accountable. Our experience with mass torts and class action lawsuits gives our clients a decisive advantage in complex legal contests.

Contact Burg Simpson for Rockdale County BioLab Fire Legal Help

Do you need chlorine gas inhalation legal advice? Are you unsure whether you can join the BioLab chemical fire lawsuits? Protect your rights and see what legal options you may have by speaking to a toxic chemical exposure lawyer today.

Get the pool chemical plant fire legal representation you need. Contact Burg Simpson for FREE. We serve clients nationwide from locations in multiple states.