Low support for PX: poll

Graphics: GT

A Global Times poll has revealed that over one-third of respondents in five cities, where paraxylene (PX) projects were planned, oppose construction of PX plants, while only 20 percent supported them, with nearly 40 percent expressing neutrality.

The poll, conducted by the Global Times Global Poll Center from Saturday to Sunday through telephone interviews and online survey, collected responses from 1,060 residents in Xiamen, Dalian, Kunming, Chengdu and Maoming.

PX projects in the five cities have been suspended due to public outcry. In the most recent case in Maoming, Guangdong Province, thousands of protesters held rallies in front of the local government offices, which later developed into clashes with police, although no casualties were reported.

The poll found 36.8 percent of respondents opposed PX projects being developed in their cities. The main reason they oppose the project is the possible harm to health, and another major concern is environmental pollution.

PX, a byproduct of oil refining, is a major raw material for making polyester products. It can be controlled when sealed, but if exposed to the air, it becomes volatile. If the wind is blowing, this poisonous gas is hard to control, said Zhao Zhangyuan, a professor at the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences.

Some 70 percent of respondents cited the PX project operator's plan to control pollution as their prime concern, followed by safety evaluation and information disclosure.