BioLab-Brand: Residents can use the EPA's interactive tool to check air quality

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ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making it easier for residents to track current air quality after a BioLab fire led to a massive chemical cloud over Rockdale County on Sunday.

The fire was first reported around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday. It was believed to have gone out but reignited around midday. The fire was extinguished several hours later, but the remaining material “off-gassed” due to the reaction of water with chemicals at the fire site. This reaction resulted in a chemical smoke cloud that spread to surrounding counties.

Crews worked around the clock to remove the material causing the problem.

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Thousands of people were initially evacuated, but others were told to shelter in place. There is currently a nighttime curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. for the rest of the week.

The BioLab fire has caused widespread concern far beyond Rockdale County. Residents of neighboring counties, including Gwinnett, DeKalb and Fulton, have reported symptoms of chlorine exposure, including eye irritation, cough, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

The EPA monitors the air and says levels of chlorine and hydrochloric acid, while detectable, remain within safe limits, except for people with pre-existing respiratory illnesses.

The EPA also stated that the “odor threshold” for chlorine is very low, meaning people can smell it at low concentrations that cause no harm.

Because of the high level of concern, EPA has developed an interactive tool that allows users to view real-time data from field instruments. They also provide air quality test results every 12 hours.

Several roads near the BioLab facility remain closed. Rockdale County officials provided the following list as of Tuesday evening:

• Old Covington Highway at Rockdale Industrial
• Kysor Junction at Rockdale Industrial
• Old Covington Highway near Blacklawn
• Dogwood Drive at VFW
• Veterans Ride at VFW

Rockdale County government offices, including the courthouse and outbuildings, will remain closed for the remainder of the week. Newton County Schools also announced a two-hour delay for students and staff on Wednesday. Animal control has moved its shelter to Walton County and is looking for foster homes to alleviate the situation.