Air tests underway in DeKalb after BioLab explosion causes worry, traffic

A chemical lab explosion in Conyers caused Interstate 20 to shutdown in a part of DeKalb and caused worry among residents on social media, prompting DeKalb County officials to begin testing air quality on Sept. 30.

A spa and pool chemical manufacturer called BioLab in Conyers—in Rockdale County, just east of DeKalb—had an explosion that sent massive colorful plumes of smoke billowing through the sky on Sept. 29, with videos shared over social media going viral.

Rockdale County officials said in a news release that a sprinkler head malfunctioned at the chemical plant, mixing with a water-reactive chemical and starting the fire. A video shared by 11Alive on YouTube supposedly shows the fire reigniting about 12 hours later.

On Sept. 30, DeKalb officials added that “DeKalb Emergency Management Agency is aware of numerous reports of air quality concerns in the county following a chemical fire Sunday at a laboratory in Conyers.”

At press time, DeKalb officials said there were no advisories from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division for DeKalb County concerning air quality, and that DEMA and DeKalb County Fire Rescue were testing air quality throughout the day around the county.

Residents were advised to call 311 to report any air quality concerns.

The fire caused a shelter in place order for Rockdale residents and an evacuation zone for 17,000 people in Conyers that remained in place at press time, but road blockages in DeKalb were removed on Sept. 30.

Several DeKalb residents, including Stonecrest Mayor Jazzmin Cobble, took to social media to complain of seeing and smelling the smoke despite being outside of the evacuation zone — which was contained inside of Rockdale County.

“Yes, I can see the smoke as well but thus far there are [no] indications that Stonecrest needs to evacuate nor shelter in place. If that changes, we will let the public know,” Cobble said on Facebook. “We’ve reached out to DeKalb Emergency Management Agency and thus far there are no concerns for Stonecrest related to the Rockdale County BioLab fire. However, I-20 at Turner Hill Road headed into Rockdale is blocked. We will keep you updated if anything changes.”

At press time, a shelter was available in DeKalb at 2484 Bruce St. in Lithonia for anyone evacuating and in need of a place to stay.

Newton County residents received an alert stating, “We are monitoring the situation and would advise that if you smell a chlorine odor you should turn off your air conditioners, turn on your ceiling fans, and if possible, bring your outside animals indoors.”

Some residents in southeast DeKalb and in Stonecrest also said they received shelter-in-place orders via text, but county officials had not sent widespread orders to any DeKalb residents at press time. DeKalb County School District canceled all outdoor activities scheduled for Sept. 30.

According to CNN, air quality tests “revealed the harmful irritant chlorine” emanating from the plume. Rockdale officials said the plume could linger several days at the Sept. 29 press conference.

This is the third fire at BioLab, with the most recent prior to this event occurring in 2020 which also shut down the interstate. To stay up to date, visit dekalbcountyga.gov and follow the “City of Stonecrest – Government” pages on social media.