Georgia Chemical Plant Fire: KIK Bio-Lab Faces Class Action Lawsuits

A massive chemical fire at the KIK Bio-Lab chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, that released hazardous chlorine gas into the surrounding community and led to the evacuation and shelter-in-place orders for over 90,000 residents has resulted in at least three lawsuits against the company. 

The lawsuits, filed in Atlanta federal court a day after the September 29 fire, allege that Bio-Lab, Inc. and its parent company, KIK Consumer Products, were negligent in failing to prevent the chemical blaze and its resulting health risks.

The plaintiffs in the proposed class action lawsuits, all local residents, argue that the companies' lack of proper safety measures caused the fire, exposing nearby residents to toxic chemicals and causing widespread damage.

One lawsuit highlights the foreseeable harm caused by the fire, saying the companies’ actions "upended the lives of nearly 100,000 Georgians."

Chemical Fire at Bio-Lab Plant Leads to Evacuations and Health Concerns

The chemical fire began in the early morning hours of September 29, when the plant's sprinkler system inadvertently sprayed water on reactive chemicals, sparking explosions. Although the fire initially subsided, it reignited later that day, resulting in the collapse of the building and a massive cloud of toxic smoke. 

The fire released chlorine, hydrochloric acid, and other dangerous chemicals into the air that affected Rockdale County residents, with many ordered to evacuate while others sheltered in place, turning off their ventilation systems to avoid exposure.

Due to the nature of the chemicals involved, the fire department struggled to contain the blaze as water-reactive substances made traditional firefighting ineffective. 

Residents Report Health Issues and Property Damage from Chemical Exposure

The plaintiffs involved in the lawsuits say the smoke and chemical plume caused eye irritation, skin problems, and respiratory issues for those exposed, while also contaminating properties in the surrounding area.

Tonya Long, a plaintiff behind one of the lawsuits, says her family experienced symptoms like nasal irritation, nausea, and emotional distress after being exposed to the chemicals. Long was forced to evacuate her home and has incurred ongoing costs related to relocation and medical care.

Plaintiffs in another lawsuit, Bessie Hollingsworth and Kassey Nicole Goolsby, said they suffered dizziness, coughing, and eye irritation. They say they also faced evacuation challenges, loss of wages, and property contamination as a result of the fire.

For Ernestine Simmons, a bus driver who was ordered to help evacuate residents, the exposure to chlorine fumes caused severe headaches and aggravated her chronic asthma, one of the lawsuits alleges. Lisa Wise, another resident, experienced difficulty breathing and had to shelter in place at a family member’s home. 

What Chemicals Are Produced at the Bio-Lab Plant?

The Conyers Bio-Lab facility, which opened in 1973, is known for producing chemicals like Trichloroisocyanuric Acid, a substance used to sanitize swimming pools and hot tubs. TCCA releases chlorine when it comes into contact with water, a process that makes it highly reactive and dangerous if mishandled. 

The chemical reactions caused by TCCA produce chlorine gas and explosive nitrogen trichloride, both of which are harmful to humans if inhaled. The plaintiffs argue that the plant’s lack of adequate fire prevention systems made it vulnerable to such disasters.

Lawsuits Highlight History of Safety Issues at Bio-Lab Facility

The lawsuits all emphasize a history of safety issues at the Conyers plant, which includes a fire in 2004 that injured 28 people and released a chlorine plume that affected residents up to 50 miles away, resulting in a $7 million settlement. 

In 2016, another fire at the facility led to evacuation orders, and in 2020, a water line leak reacted with chemicals to release hazardous fumes, sending nine firefighters to the hospital and causing more than $1 million in property damage.

The current lawsuits aim to hold Bio-Lab and KIK Consumer Products accountable for what they allege is an ongoing pattern of negligence, which plaintiffs argue has continually put the health and safety of nearby residents at risk.

The lawsuits seek compensation for all those impacted by the fire, including residents and businesses in Rockdale County and surrounding areas exposed to the toxic chemicals, as well as injunctive relief, fees, and costs.

Were you affected by the KIK Bio-Lab chemical fire in Conyers, Georgia? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.