September 08, 2025

People's Daily: PX toxicity is lower than salt and lower than alcohol

In May of this year, PetroChina's 10 million tons/year refinery project in Kunming faced public opposition. One of the main concerns was that the refinery would produce PX, a chemical that has sparked controversy in recent years. This is not the first time such a project has been met with resistance. In 2007, the Xiamen PX project, and again in 2011 in Dalian and 2012 in Ningbo, local protests led to the suspension of these projects. So, what exactly is PX? Why has it become such a hot topic in China, despite being widely used globally? Let’s take a closer look at this chemical and understand why it has stirred so much debate. **What is PX?** PX, or para-xylene, is not considered a dangerous chemical under international standards. It is classified as a "possible carcinogen," similar to coffee. However, many people still fear it, believing it poses serious health risks and environmental damage. In reality, PX is not as harmful as it seems. Lv Dapeng, a spokesperson for Sinopec who has worked in PX production for years, explains that PX is a colorless, transparent, aromatic liquid with a slight sweetness. According to global chemical classification systems, PX is not classified as a hazardous chemical in many countries, including the U.S. and Australia. Even in the EU, it is only considered hazardous in certain contexts. The concern often stems from the presence of benzene, which is a known carcinogen. However, IARC classifies PX as possibly carcinogenic due to limited evidence. Interestingly, coffee also falls into this same category. While PX is not completely non-toxic, its toxicity is low. Medical data show that high exposure can cause eye and respiratory irritation, and prolonged exposure may lead to headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms. Experts recommend that pregnant women and nursing mothers minimize exposure, just as they would with alcohol or tobacco. In terms of toxicity, PX is actually less toxic than salt and more toxic than alcohol. The half-lethal dose (LD50) for rats shows that PX is safer than both. Despite this, many Chinese people still view PX as dangerous, largely due to misunderstandings. **What is PX used for?** PX plays a crucial role in modern life. It is a key raw material in producing polyester fibers, which are used in clothing, packaging, and even pharmaceuticals. Without PX, we would need significantly more farmland to meet the demand for natural fibers. In China, where arable land is limited, PX helps reduce pressure on agriculture. PX is also essential for improving gasoline quality. It increases the octane number, which helps reduce urban pollution like PM2.5. As China moves toward cleaner energy, PX will likely play an even bigger role in the future. China’s demand for PX has grown rapidly, but domestic production has not kept up. In 2012, China consumed 13.85 million tons of PX, making it the world's largest consumer. But domestic production was only 8.8 million tons, leaving a significant gap. Experts warn that if current projects are delayed, self-sufficiency could drop below 50% by 2015. **Why are foreigners not afraid of PX?** In countries like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, PX projects are common and located close to residential areas. These countries have strict environmental regulations and advanced risk management systems. For example, in Singapore, a PX plant is just 900 meters from a residential area. In Japan, some PX facilities are separated from homes by just a highway. Companies in these countries invest heavily in safety and transparency. South Korean firms, for instance, follow safety protocols six times stricter than government requirements. They conduct regular safety training and use third-party monitoring to ensure accuracy. In contrast, many Chinese communities remain skeptical about PX projects. Yet, with proper technology and management, PX can be safely produced. China has made significant progress in mastering PX production technology, becoming the third country after the U.S. and France to do so. **Conclusion** The issue isn’t whether PX should exist, but how it is built and managed. With the right approach, heavy chemical projects can be environmentally friendly and safe. Examples like Maoming and Guangxi show that large-scale petrochemical projects can coexist with clean air and healthy ecosystems. China needs PX, and the public needs better understanding. Addressing fears through education, transparency, and community involvement is key to moving forward. The challenge lies not in stopping PX, but in ensuring it is developed responsibly and sustainably.

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