Manufacturing Danger: The BioLab Story - Chemical Smoke Everywhere

Episode Title: Chemical Smoke Everywhere

Credit: GPB

Host: Pamela Kirkland

Air Date: March 31, 2025

Summary:

This episode of Manufacturing Danger: The BioLab Story investigates a chemical fire at the BioLab plant in Conyers, Georgia, on September 29, 2024. The incident forced the evacuation of 17,000 residents and a shelter-in-place order for an additional 90,000, disrupting the lives of a community where 63% of residents are Black.

The episode begins with firsthand accounts from residents who describe the sudden chaos and fear as toxic smoke spread through their neighborhoods. 911 calls reveal a "sprinkler head bust" at BioLab's Plant 12, a massive warehouse storing millions of pounds of pool and spa chemicals. The problem began when a water-reactive chemical got wet, leading to a violent reaction.

The resulting plume of toxic smoke affected not just Conyers but also areas as far as 20 miles away, including Atlanta.

Residents recount the immediate impact, including damaged property and concerns about long-term health effects. 

Cheryl Garcia, a resident with a background in occupational health, shares her frustration with the lack of clear information and the conflicting reports about the safety of the air, water, and soil. She highlights the difficulty of getting consistent answers from authorities and the eventual handover of air monitoring duties from the EPA to BioLab.

Researcher Greg Huey from Georgia Tech reveals that independent air testing found not only chlorine but also unexpected chemicals like bromine, isocyanic acid, and cyanamide, raising further concerns about the long-term health impact.

The episode concludes by revealing that this was not the first incident at BioLab, hinting at a pattern of industrial accidents and regulatory gaps that have left the community vulnerable.