CONYERS, Ga. — Rockdale County residents gathered at The Movement Church Tuesday, demanding answers about the health and environmental impacts of the massive fire at BioLab that happened in September. The forum, featuring experts and community advocates, highlights ongoing concerns ranging from respiratory illnesses to how to raise money for research.
Polaris Walls, a local resident, shared his frustrations.
"I'm of the camp that we need to get rid of BioLab. Sorry, not sorry," Walls said, echoing the sentiments of many others who have spoken to 11Alive.
Walls has been using bottled water for drinking and cooking, citing distrust of the tap water. Despite having his own tests done, he said the chemicals found in the BioLab fire weren't listed.
"I don’t know where to really start to get those kinds of tests done," he added.
Michaela Edwards, another resident, revealed health struggles she believes are linked to the fire.
"They just found out that I have bronchitis," Edwards said. "It was stated that it could have been triggered from chemicals in the air."
Edwards said her doctor could only treat her symptoms.
"Why not give the doctors something they can go off of when it comes to treating us properly?" Edwards said.
RELATED: More than 20 lawsuits consolidated in federal court against BioLab after Conyers chemical plume
Community advocacy groups, such as the "Shut Down BioLab Coalition," brought in insights from communities affected by similar disasters, including East Palestine, Ohio, and Bhopal, India. They emphasized the broader implications of chemical disasters, calling their group "Bigger than BioLab."
During a news conference ahead of the meeting, the organizations called to revoke BioLab's business license. The groups said they have been coordinating with Sen. Raphael Warnock's office, which they believe has been corresponding with the CEO of KIK Consumer Products, which is the parent company. They feel residents should have been granted free personal protective products, calling residents "guinea pigs." Leaders said residents' medical insurance should be covered for treatment, as there's not enough research about the effects of multiple chemical exposures.
"Being a resource is critical," said one coalition member. "If you're not in this environmental movement, you don’t even realize what resources are out there, who to go to for research."
Instead of commenting Tuesday, Rockdale County officials pointed to a lawsuit against BioLab’s parent company, KIK Consumer Products; a statement said the county retained the Napoli Shkolnik law firm.
"The complaint which was filed in the Northern District of Georgia in October 2024 alleges various causes of actions including but not limited to violations of the Clean Air Act, negligence, public nuisance and private nuisance," the statement said in part.
It said the legal proceedings are underway.
"Rockdale County remains committed to transparency and ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents," the statement reads. "We will continue to pursue all necessary legal avenues to hold Bio-Lab and its related companies accountable for their actions."
For residents like Edwards, the future remains uncertain.
"How long will it last? And will it ever go away?" she asked, encapsulating the community's lingering fears.
Cleanup efforts and investigations into the long-term effects of the BioLab fire are ongoing. 11Alive reached out to BioLab for comment. We have yet to receive a response.