Fire at BioLab chemical plant in Georgia: Shelter warning issued
Fire at Conyers chemical plant creates smoke cloud, affecting air quality and prompting alert in Rockdale County.
2024-10-02T12:00:50+00:00- Seek Shelter if Smoke From Chemical Fire Reaches Your Area
- Hotline: 404-856-6252
- Rockdale Offices Closed Tuesday
Authorities in Rockdale County have advised residents to shelter in place again on Tuesday morning.
Thsi was due to a smoke cloud caused by a fire at a chemical plant in Conyers.
The county, home to over 90,000 residents, had been under a shelter order since Sunday.
It was lifted at 7:45 p.m. on Monday.
Air Quality in Conyers Raises Concerns for Officials
The smoke and haze are expected to persist in Conyers, raising concerns about air quality in the Atlanta metro area.
On Tuesday, schools in Newton County remained closed.
Although the shelter order in Rockdale has been lifted, authorities warn that the smoke continues to move due to weather conditions.
The Georgia Poison Center has set up a hotline for those experiencing symptoms related to the Conyers chemical fire.
Symptoms include irritation of the nose, throat, eyes, or difficulty breathing.
Residents with these symptoms are urged to call 404-856-6252.
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Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the smoke cloud shifts direction.
Conyers residents are advised to pay attention to air quality and take shelter in place if the smoke reaches their area or if they detect a strong chlorine smell.
Those with respiratory issues are especially urged to remain indoors.
Rockdale County offices will remain closed on Tuesday.
The City of Atlanta is also aware of the new shelter-in-place advisory.
The Atlanta Fire Department is conducting additional air quality tests and is awaiting further guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).