Georgia public safety officials warned metro Atlanta residents that Thursday morning they may literally get wind of the chlorine plume coming from Conyers, three days after a chemical fire creating a public safety threat.

The chemical plume, originating from the chlorine leak at the BioLab facility in Conyers, is being pushed westward toward metro Atlanta by wind conditions, officials said Wednesday, Oct. 2.

On Thursday, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens addressed the fumes over Atlanta saying that the city was working with state health officials and that the chlorine smells were below unsafe levels.

Day 5: Chlorine Plume Over Metro Atlanta

A statement from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) suggest that residents in inner metro Atlanta may notice the smell of chlorine. Chlorine readings have exceeded “action levels” in certain areas, and officials are advising caution. While there was a shelter-in-place order affecting around 90,000 residents, it has been lifted for most areas. However, residents are still being advised to stay alert and take precautions as the situation develops.

“The current weather models show the winds will begin to shift from the east to the west after sunset Wednesday,” GEMA said. “Smoke is predicted to settle towards the ground as it moves toward Atlanta. There is a high likelihood that people across Metro Atlanta will wake up on Thursday morning seeing haze and smelling chlorine.”

The agency went on to say that as the air settles each evening, smoke tends to settle toward the Earth. “As the air lifts back up in the afternoon and evening, the smell and haze should dissipate. Chlorine has a very low odor threshold, meaning you can smell it before it reaches a harmful level,” the agency said.

In a Tuesday news conference, Rockdale Chairman Oz Nesbit said that an earlier alert that lifted a shelter in place for the county was sent before the wind patterns shifted and is no longer in effect. “We can’t control the weather,” he said.

“Let me make this very clear. You will continue to see the plume. The plume is part of the mitigating process,” he added.

How To Protect Yourself From Bad Air

Protecting yourself from chlorine gas exposure requires prompt action, as chlorine gas is highly toxic when inhaled. Here are the steps to take if you believe chlorine gas is present in the air:

1. Recognize Chlorine Gas Exposure Symptoms

  • Early Symptoms: These may include coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, irritation of the eyes and throat, and a strong chlorine odor (similar to bleach).
  • Severe Symptoms: If exposure continues, it can cause severe respiratory distress, burning of the lungs, nausea, vomiting, fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), and even death.

2. Evacuate the Area Immediately

  • Move Upwind and Uphill: Chlorine gas is heavier than air, so it will settle in low-lying areas. Quickly move to higher ground and head in the direction opposite to where the wind is blowing from to minimize further exposure.
  • Distance Matters: Try to get as far away from the source as possible. Even moving a mile away may significantly reduce your exposure.

3. Use a Respiratory Protection Device

If you have access to any of the following protective gear, use it:

  • Gas Mask with Chemical Cartridge (Specifically for Chlorine): The most effective protection comes from wearing a full-face gas mask with cartridges specifically designed to filter out chlorine gas.
  • Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA): This is used by first responders and industrial workers in hazardous environments. SCBAs supply clean air from a tank, protecting you from inhaling toxic gas.

If specialized equipment isn’t available:

  • Improvised Protection: Although far less effective, you can cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth to reduce inhalation of chlorine gas. Wet the cloth with water, a weak acidic solution like vinegar, or even a baking soda solution (which can neutralize some of the chlorine). However, this is only a temporary measure and will not provide full protection.

4. Shelter Indoors

If evacuation is not possible, follow these steps to reduce exposure:

  • Seal the Building: Go indoors and close all windows, doors, and vents. Shut down air conditioning and heating systems to prevent gas from entering the building.
  • Shelter in an Interior Room: Choose a room with few windows and doors, preferably on a higher floor. Use plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal any gaps around doors, windows, and vents to prevent gas from leaking inside.
  • Use a HEPA Air Filter: If available, turn on a portable air purifier with a HEPA filter. While this won’t fully filter out chlorine gas, it can help reduce airborne particulates and contaminants in the air.

5. Decontaminate If Exposed

If you have come into contact with chlorine gas:

  • Remove Contaminated Clothing: Take off any clothing that may have been exposed to the gas as soon as possible. Cut off the clothing rather than pulling it over your head to avoid further exposure.
  • Rinse Exposed Skin and Eyes: Immediately rinse your skin and eyes with large amounts of water to flush out any chlorine. Use cool or lukewarm water, not hot.
  • Seek Fresh Air: Continue to breathe fresh air as much as possible to help clear your lungs of the gas.

6. Seek Medical Attention

  • Call Emergency Services: If you or someone else is experiencing significant symptoms of chlorine gas exposure, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, chest pain, or dizziness require urgent care.
  • Long-Term Effects: Even after the exposure has ended, chlorine gas can cause lasting damage to the lungs and airways. Medical professionals may provide oxygen, bronchodilators, or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and help you recover.

Final Word

Being a mile away from a chlorine leak still poses a potential risk depending on wind conditions and the severity of the leak. Shelter-in-place is often the best immediate action, but staying informed and following guidance from local authorities is crucial.

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