ATLANTA – A large cloud of white smoke remains visible four days after a fire at the BioLab facility in Rockdale County released chlorine and hydrochloric acid into the air. The incident has prompted a nightly shelter-in-place order from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. amid concerns from residents about air quality and health.

According to Rockdale County officials, the fire did not restart Wednesday, but the increased volume of smoke and color changes are due to cleanup efforts. “Among the construction debris is product that will be destroyed during the cleanup process,” county officials said. “There will be fluctuations in the cloud until the cleanup is complete.”

The fire, which broke out on Sunday, caused thick smoke to spread across surrounding counties. Residents reported difficulty breathing, with some describing the smoke as “thick and heavy.” Some noted that it left a noticeable taste and was noticeable on the skin. “It almost looked like a whiteout,” one resident said, describing how visibility dropped to just 10 to 15 feet.

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Air quality near the BioLab facility in Rockdale County

Air quality monitors detected a rise in chlorine levels overnight and authorities warn that wind could carry the smoke into Atlanta, potentially causing haze and the smell of chlorine in the city. “Residents may smell chlorine and wake up to hazy conditions Thursday morning,” according to a situation alert from the DeKalb County Office of Emergency Management.

In response to the movement of the smoke plume, Atlanta Public Schools has moved all outdoor activities indoors for the duration of the school day. Sporting events and extracurricular activities are permitted outdoors.

Although air quality remains safe for most people, people with pre-existing respiratory illnesses are urged to take precautions. Health officials warn that smoke exposure can cause symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath and chest discomfort. People with heart or lung disease may experience more serious effects.

State and federal agencies continue to monitor air quality in the Atlanta metropolitan area, according to a news release on their website. Authorities are using the Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA), a mobile laboratory that can monitor air in real time, to assess chlorine emissions and other airborne compounds.

Weather forecasters are currently predicting a change in wind direction Wednesday night that could cause smoke and chlorine smells to move west toward Atlanta. As a result, residents in the city area could smell haze and the smell of chlorine on Thursday morning. Officials emphasize that while the smell is noticeable, chlorine can be smelled even in low, safe concentrations.

Health officials warn that exposure to smoke containing chlorine compounds can cause symptoms such as eye and respiratory irritation, cough, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, headache and a runny nose. People with heart or lung disease may experience more serious symptoms, including chest pain or difficulty breathing. People at higher risk, such as the elderly, children and those with weakened immune systems, are advised to limit outdoor activities.

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To minimize exposure, residents are asked to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed and use recirculated air conditioning systems where possible. People with asthma or other respiratory diseases should follow their doctor's recommendations.

According to GEMA, workers on site continue to make progress in neutralizing the product and periodic increases in chlorine levels around the facility are expected as the process continues.

Although current chlorine levels are considered safe, residents are advised to follow instructions from local emergency authorities. Anyone experiencing symptoms is urged to contact their doctor or the Georgia Poison Center at 404-856-6252 for assistance.

Rockdale County businesses, residents frustrated

The smoke has a significant impact on local businesses. Mitch Henson, a business owner near the affected area, described the conditions as a “whiteout,” with visibility limited to just 15 feet due to the thick smoke. He discovered that even inside his building there was still a strong smell of chlorine, forcing him to close his business for several days.

This incident is reminiscent of previous chemical accidents in 2004 and 2020 that also left the community in turmoil.

Roads and businesses in the path of the smoke remain closed, and sheriff's deputies are cordoning off affected areas. Fortunately, schools in the district are currently on break, but government offices are also closed for the rest of the week.

SEE MORE: BioLab Fire: Residents and businesses still dealing with smoke, post-fire restrictions

Many residents are frustrated with the current situation, and some are wearing masks as a precaution. Several residents have filed lawsuits over health concerns related to chemical exposure. The investigation into the incident is ongoing and further updates are expected.

In response to the current situation, some residents have filed a petition calling for the BioLab facility to be relocated, and lawyers are preparing a class action lawsuit.