A chemical plant in China's southeastern province of Fujian suffered an explosion and fire Monday night, injuring at least three people, according to state news agency Xinhua.

The plant, located in Zhangzhou and operated by Dragon Aromatics, produces paraxylene (PX), a flammable chemical used to manufacture polyester and plastics such as water bottles, containers, fabrics, and x-ray and photographic film.


Paraxylene is a basic raw material that can cause dizziness and nausea if inhaled or ingested. It can also cause problems with the central nervous system.

Dragon Aromatics has not commented on the explosion and fire, but the Zhangzhou fire department said about 430 firefighters were at the scene to control the blaze.

This was the second blast at the plant in two years, according to The South China Morning Post.

The location of paraxylene plants in China have sparked protests from residents who fear the pollution from the factories are hazardous to their health.

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