Lung Association Issues Health Guidance in Response to Ongoing Fire at Conyers Chemical Plant

As the fire at the BioLab plant in Conyers continues to burn, the American Lung Association is issuing health guidance for communities potentially impacted by the billowing plumes of dark smoke.

The Environmental Protection Agency and local health officials have been monitoring air quality for chlorine, hydrochloric acid and other compounds since the fire began on Sunday morning. On Monday evening, the Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency lifted the shelter-in-place order for more than 90,000 residents, as well as the evacuation zone for nearly 17,000 residents.

“Due to the nature of this fire and the potential increase in particle pollution and other contaminants, residents may experience negative impacts to lung health,” said Albert Rizzo, MD, FACP, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association. “In addition to following the guidance of on-site emergency personnel, people can take steps to safeguard their lung health by keeping windows closed, monitoring their health for any new or worsening symptoms and reaching out to their healthcare provider if they have concerns.”

The American Lung Association provides the following tips and heath information to protect lung health in the event of a chemical plant fire:

• Keep windows closed and pets indoors to minimize exposure, especially for people who live downwind of the fire.
• Keep an eye on symptoms. Higher levels of smoke, gases or chemicals can make breathing more difficult. If you are experiencing new or worsening symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Seek emergency care if symptoms are severe, such as difficult or painful breathing. The first symptoms can appear 24 hours or even days after exposure.
• There are special considerations for people living with chronic lung disease. People living with certain medical conditions such as asthma, COPD or cardiovascular disease may be at higher risk for health effects. Specifically, people with asthma or COPD should follow their asthma action plan or COPD action plan developed with their healthcare provider and report any worsening of symptoms promptly. Living with any chronic lung disease may put you at risk for new or worsening respiratory symptoms and it is important to avoid exposure whenever possible and pay close attention to your symptoms.
• Take extra precautions for kids, who are more susceptible to harm. Their lungs are still developing, and they breathe in more air (and consequently more pollution) per pound of body mass than adults.
• Don't count on a mask. Dust masks, designed only to filter out particles, do not provide adequate protection. Ordinary dust masks allow gases and the more dangerous smaller particles to pass through. Although special, more expensive dust masks with true HEPA filters or N-95 masks will filter out some damaging fine particles, they may not fit properly, won't protect against harmful gases and are difficult for people with lung disease to use. 
• Ask for help. The American Lung Association’s Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) is staffed by nurses and respiratory therapists and is a free resource to answer any questions about the lungs, lung disease and lung health, including how to protect your lungs during emergency situations.

For more information on how to protect your lungs from smoke or chemical releases, visit Lung.org/disaster. For media interested in speaking with an expert, contact the American Lung Association at [email protected] or 312-273-5890.