Public Health Alert: Safety Measures After the Biolab Fire

Public Notice: Monitoring and Safety Measures Following the Rockdale County Biolab Fire

By Rep. Viola Davis, House District 87

The recent fire at a biolab in Rockdale County has raised concerns about air quality and potential health risks for residents in Metro Atlanta and surrounding areas. As your representative, it is my duty to ensure that you are informed and equipped with the knowledge necessary to protect your health during this ongoing situation. Here’s an update on the incident, the response from relevant agencies, a public hearing on the matter, and steps you can take to stay safe.

Monitoring Efforts by State and Federal Agencies

Several agencies, including the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are working together to closely monitor air quality levels following the fire.

Key Monitoring Tools and Processes:

- Overnight, some exceedances of chlorine levels were detected above the safety action threshold near the facility. Workers continue to neutralize the chlorine, but spikes in levels are expected as the neutralization process progresses.

- The EPA and Georgia EPD have deployed a Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA), a state-of-the-art mobile lab capable of real-time outdoor air monitoring, ensuring continuous oversight of air quality.

What to Expect

Weather patterns play a crucial role in how the smoke from the fire affects our communities. As winds shift from east to west, smoke containing chlorine may move toward Atlanta. It is likely that many residents will wake up to hazy conditions and a chlorine odor on Thursday morning.

It’s important to remember that chlorine has a very low odor threshold, meaning you may smell it before it reaches levels harmful to your health. The strongest effects will likely be noticed in the mornings when the air is more settled. By the afternoon, as the air begins to lift, the haze and smell should dissipate.

Health Risks and Symptoms

While air quality levels remain safe at this time, exposure to smoke containing chlorine compounds can cause symptoms such as:

- Irritated eyes and airways

- Coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness

- Headaches, runny nose, and sinus irritation

Vulnerable individuals—such as the elderly, children, and those with compromised immune systems—should take extra precautions. People with lung conditions like asthma or heart disease may experience more severe symptoms, including chest pain, palpitations, and difficulty breathing. It is critical to monitor your health and seek medical advice if you experience any of these symptoms.

Protective Measures

To limit your exposure to the smoke and maintain indoor air quality, please take the following steps:

- Stay indoors: Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering your home. Use an air conditioner that circulates indoor air if necessary.

- Limit outdoor activities: Especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions.

- Follow your healthcare plan: If you have asthma or another lung disease, adhere to your prescribed management plan and medications. Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions.

If you experience any symptoms such as difficulty breathing or irritation, contact your health provider or the Georgia Poison Center at 404-856-6252.

Public Hearing Announcement

A public hearing regarding the Rockdale County Biolab fire incident has been scheduled for October 8, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Coverdell Legislative Office Building, Room 606. This hearing will provide an opportunity for the public to voice concerns and learn more about the ongoing response to the incident. I encourage all interested citizens to attend and stay engaged with this important issue.

For additional details, please view the flyer associated with the event.

Stay Informed

It is essential to stay updated with information from your local emergency management agency. Even though current chlorine levels are within safe limits, it is crucial to remain cautious and take the necessary precautions to protect your health.

To better prepare for this or any future emergencies, I encourage all residents to visit the [GEMA/HS Ready Georgia website](https://gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia). Here, you can find resources to create a personalized emergency plan and a Ready kit, equipping your household for various emergencies.

As your representative, I will continue to monitor the situation and work with our local, state, and federal partners to ensure your safety. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you have questions or need further assistance at 404-656-0109 or via email at viola.davis@house.ga.gov.

Stay safe, stay informed, and protect your health.

Rep. Viola Davis

House District 87