Health | Page 6 Of 16 | The Georgia Sun

A ruptured gas line in downtown Atlanta caused closures near the Georgia Capitol and MARTA station. A construction team struck the line, prompting emergency responders and Atlanta Fire Rescue to monitor air quality and redirect traffic. Crews from Atlanta Gas Light are assessing and repairing the leak to ensure safety.

Major Gas Leak Disrupts Downtown Atlanta

by Thom ChandlerNovember 6, 2024

Avery Davis Bell, a 34-year-old Atlanta resident, is challenging Georgia’s strict abortion laws after her traumatic experience with a second-trimester miscarriage. Bell says her treatment was delayed due to legal uncertainty, leaving her in unnecessary pain.

Georgia Woman Speaks Out Against Abortion Laws After Miscarriage Nightmare

by Thom ChandlerNovember 4, 2024November 4, 2024

Dynarex Corporation has expanded its recall of baby powder products due to potential asbestos contamination, affecting over 1,000 cases. The recall follows FDA findings linking asbestos to serious health risks, particularly for infants. Consumers are urged to check lot numbers, cease product use, and seek refunds. Ongoing investigations aim to prevent future incidents.

Child Safety Alert: Does Your Baby Powder Contain Asbestos?

by Thom ChandlerOctober 30, 2024October 30, 2024

Starting Nov. 1, Georgia will replace the federal ACA exchange with a state-based system called Georgia Access, intended to better serve residents. While proponents claim improved enrollment assistance through agents, concerns remain about non-compliant plans and the technology's reliability. Coverage begins Jan. 1 for those who select plans by Dec. 16.

Georgia Will Have its Own Health Insurance Exchange For 2025: What You Need to Know

by Dave Williams | Capitol Beat News ServiceOctober 25, 2024October 25, 2024

Rockdale County, led by Commissioner Sherri Washington, plans to sue BioLab following a chemical explosion that forced evacuations. The lawsuit seeks to declare BioLab a public nuisance, hold it accountable for damages, and potentially shut it down due to ongoing health concerns and inadequate local support for residents.

Rockdale County is Suing BioLab and Wants Them Shut Down

by Thom ChandlerOctober 21, 2024October 21, 2024

Residents of Rockdale County can now return to normal life after the shelter-in-place order was lifted on October 17 due to a chemical release at BioLab's facility. The EPA confirmed air quality is safe, and emergency response operations have ceased, although cleanup under state supervision will continue for affected areas.

Is The Air Quality Safe in Conyers?

by Thom ChandlerOctober 18, 2024October 18, 2024

A Community Assistance Center has been established for residents and business owners affected by the BioLab fire in Conyers. Open Monday to Saturday, the center provides support, claims assistance, and resources. Ongoing air monitoring continues, and free debris removal is offered. A 24/7 hotline and online portal are also available for help.

Community Assistance Center Opens for Conyers Residents Affected by BioLab Fire

by Thom ChandlerOctober 15, 2024October 15, 2024

A recent survey from Gallup and West Health reveals that just over half—55%—of U.S. adults feel they can access and afford quality healthcare when they need it. But this challenge is not spread evenly across the nation.

Survey Ranks Georgia Among Worst States for Healthcare Access

by Thom ChandlerOctober 9, 2024October 9, 2024

The Georgia Supreme Court has hit pause on a ruling that struck down the state’s abortion ban, effectively keeping the six-week abortion restriction alive—at least for now. This is the latest chapter in Georgia’s ongoing legal tug-of-war over reproductive rights.

Georgia’s Abortion Ban is Back in Effect

by Thom ChandlerOctober 7, 2024October 7, 2024

Schools in Decatur and Rockdale County are adjusting plans as the chemical plume from a BioLab fire in Conyers lingers. Decatur schools are moving activities indoors, while Rockdale schools will switch to remote learning for part of next week.

Chemical Plume from BioLab Fire Continues to Disrupt Schools and Businesses in Conyers

by Thom ChandlerOctober 4, 2024October 4, 2024

Rockdale County has released yet another update regarding the ongoing BioLab fire, but rather than bringing clarity, it seems to be leaving residents even more confused. The county’s advisory, issued late last night, asks residents to shelter in place—but only if the fire's plume drifts into their vicinity or if they detect a “strong odor of chlorine.”

Shelter-in-Place Back on in Rockdale County – Sort of

by Thom ChandlerOctober 1, 2024October 1, 2024

Following the devastating fire at the BioLab facility in Conyers, Rockdale County has lifted its shelter-in-place advisory as of September 30. Residents were initially advised to stay indoors due to air quality concerns, with the EPA monitoring for harmful chemicals, notably chlorine gas, which was detected during the early stages of the fire. However, recent updates indicate that air quality levels are now well below harmful action levels, and the situation is deemed safe for the public.

Shelter-in-Place Lifted in Rockdale County After BioLab Fire

by Thom ChandlerSeptember 30, 2024September 30, 2024

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert C. I. McBurney has struck down Georgia's six-week abortion ban. Stanley Dunlap/Georgia Recorder

Georgia’s Heartbeat Abortion Law Struck Down

by Jill Nolin | Georgia RecorderSeptember 30, 2024September 30, 2024

A fire at the BioLab facility in Conyers has led to the evacuation of 17,000 residents, sparking a wave of concern about toxic exposure. In response, a Change.org petition calling for the permanent closure of the facility is quickly gaining support. Launched by local resident Shelly Thompson, the petition has gathered over 850 signatures in less than 24 hours, reflecting growing fears in the community.

Conyers Residents Rally Against BioLab After Devastating Fire

by Thom ChandlerSeptember 30, 2024September 30, 2024

The Details: Residents in the affected areas are experiencing low or no water pressure. The City of Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management issued the boil water advisory as a precaution, asking residents to restrict water use to critical needs until system pressure can be restored.

Boil Water Advisory Disrupts Water Service for Atlanta-Area Residents

by Thom ChandlerSeptember 30, 2024September 30, 2024

HP Hood LLC announced a recall of several varieties of 96 oz Lactaid Milk cartons due to the potential presence of almond, which is not disclosed on the label. This poses a significant risk for individuals allergic to tree nuts, particularly almonds, as consuming these products may lead to severe allergic reactions.

Lactaid Milk Products Recalled: Here’s Why

by Thom ChandlerSeptember 22, 2024September 22, 2024

The General Assembly should take a carrot-and-stick approach to reducing gun violence in Georgia, a panel of pediatricians told members of a legislative study committee Thursday.

Pediatricians Want Georgia Lawmakers to Get Serious About Gun Violence. But Will They?

by Dave Williams | Capitol Beat News ServiceSeptember 19, 2024September 19, 2024

Governor Brian Kemp, joined by other state officials, convened a roundtable with Georgia’s healthcare leaders today to discuss civil litigation policies affecting the state's healthcare sector. Held at Atrium Health’s Macon campus, the event marked the second in a series of three roundtable discussions aimed at gathering input from stakeholders before the next legislative session. Participants in the meeting included representatives from the Georgia Hospital Association, Georgia Medical Association, Georgia Health Care Association, and private healthcare providers.

Brian Kemp’s Solution to Healthcare Costs: Go After Lawsuits

by Thom ChandlerSeptember 17, 2024September 17, 2024

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