Focus on Arts and Ecology

Nearly seven tonnes of C9, an aromatic hydrocarbon used as a solvent in tin paint and rubber products, leaked into the water near the port city of Donggang, Fujian province on the morning of November 4. A preliminary investigation found the leak was caused by poor maintenance of equipment at Donggang Petrochemical Company. Caixin reported that local air and water quality met standards according to local government although some residents fell ill and went to the hospital where they were diagnosed with gas poisoning. Residents said the government should have warned them not to go near the water and acted faster to clean up the site. The solvent release dissolved the floats used for local aquaculture so some people tried to prop them up with new floats, exposing themselves to the chemical. The Global Times reported that 52 villagers have sought treatment for ailments suspected to be caused by the leak.