A chemical plant fire in Rockdale County released chlorine and hydrochloric acid into the air, leading to a thick smoke haze and strong chlorine smell in neighboring Gwinnett County on Sunday.
Gwinnett County emergency services responded to 179 air-quality related calls, but local officials assured the public there is no immediate health risk.
A malfunctioning sprinkler head at BioLab in Conyers caused water to mix with a water-reactive chemical, leading to a fire and the subsequent smoke plume affecting the area.
Around 17,000 residents near the site of the chemical fire were evacuated, with others advised to shelter in place. This also led to road closures, including Interstate 20, and the shutdown of schools and businesses.
Gwinnett County Fire and Rescue dispatched a hazardous materials team to monitor the air quality, finding no areas of concern; the EPA is actively monitoring the plume’s direction.
Though the smoke disrupted much of the metro Atlanta area, Gwinnett County officials remain confident in their assessment that the situation does not pose a significant health risk at this time.
BioLab Details – Click Here.
BioLab – From Fulton County – Click Here.