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Black smoke billows into the sky above a Conyers shopping plaza as the BioLab chemical fire burns on Sept. 29, 2024.
Credit: Al Sadler Jr.
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Manufacturing Danger: The BioLab Story - 'It's Always FireLab'
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For decades, fires at BioLab in Conyers, Ga., have put residents and first responders at risk. From the massive 2004 blaze to the toxic 2024 fire, history keeps repeating itself. Why does this keep happening? And who is holding BioLab accountable? Host Pamela Kirkland investigates the dangerous legacy of "FireLab" and the fight for stronger chemical safety regulations.
Episode Title: "It's Always FireLab"
Podcast: Manufacturing Danger: The BioLab Story
Host: Pamela Kirkland
In this episode of Manufacturing Danger, we trace the long and troubling history of fires at BioLab’s Conyers, Ga., facility. The latest blaze in September 2024 forced thousands to evacuate and sent toxic smoke into the air — just the latest in a pattern stretching back more than 20 years.
We revisit the massive 2004 fire and uncover a disturbing trend: repeated chemical accidents caused by the same hazardous compound, Trichlor. Despite multiple warnings and investigations — including a federal probe into a similar BioLab fire in Louisiana — lax regulations have allowed these disasters to continue.
Through the voices of residents, first responders and experts like Dr. Pamela Pollet, we explore how regulatory gaps have left communities vulnerable. And we hear from DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox, who lived through both the 2004 and 2024 fires and is now calling for change.
The episode also tells the story of environmental advocate Kenny Johnson, who fought tirelessly to hold BioLab accountable.
With another investigation now underway, the question remains: Will anything change before BioLab burns again?
Listen now to uncover the full story.
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