Data for Observations of the Gas Phase Composition of the 2024 BioLab Industrial Plume in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area
Author(s)
Harper, Christine A.
Arterburn, Linda A.
Paredero, Katherine
El Asmar, Rime
Stewart, Mariama L.
Tanner, David J.
Roberts, James M.
Orlando, John J.
Sadighi, Joseph
Weber, Rodney J.
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Abstract
A fire at a pool chemical manufacturing facility in Conyers, Georgia on September 29, 2024, released a persistent chemical plume that impacted the Atlanta metropolitan area for over two weeks, leading to evacuation of more than 17,000 people. We used high-resolution time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometry at our laboratory in Midtown Atlanta (21 miles from the facility) and deployed a quadrupole CIMS in Conyers to characterize plume composition. We observed unexpectedly high concentrations of Br₂ (up to 1.4 x 10² ppb) dominating early plumes, along with elevated HNCO (31 ppb) and numerous other compounds. Twenty-six species were identified, including reactive nitrogen-containing compounds (HNCO, cyanoacetic acid, cyanamide) and oxygenated volatile organic compounds (acetaldehyde). Br₂ concentrations in Midtown exceeded EPA one-hour AEGL-1 thresholds by a factor of four. Later measurements in Conyers showed Cl₂ reaching 3.7 x 10² ppb during the second week. Given that Midtown observations were 21 miles downwind, concentrations near the source in Conyers initially were likely 1-2 orders of magnitude higher. This study provides the first comprehensive chemical characterization of a plume from pool chemical decomposition, revealing complexity far beyond simple halogen release and highlighting enhanced health risks from simultaneous exposure to multiple respiratory irritants.
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NSF #2509330
Date
2026
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