Four workers from Wanhua Chemical Group, who were killed in a chemical explosion on Wednesday, have just been added to the growing number of chemical-related deaths.

Greenpeace reported that from January to August this year, chemical-related accidents in China already stood at a total of 232, where 199 lives were lost while 400 of the victims were left with critical injuries.

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The group said the Chinese government needs to revamp the way it manages its chemical industry which is allegedly poorly regulated already.

"The government must take urgent action to manage chemicals in a sound manner, provide a safety net for workers and citizens and protect ecologically important areas across the country," Greenpeace campaigner Cheng Qian said.

The group also stressed that transparency is also crucial to address the issue. 

It was alleged that the efforts of China in regulating the acquisition, production and storage of dangerous chemicals are not enough. Experts also argued that the rules published have to be revised.

Based on the 2010-2011 public data, it was reportedly apparent that a greater number of China's 33,625 chemical facilities are located in densely populated eastern and coastal regions, which could make them safety hazards.

Explosions witnessed in Tianjin, particularly at the Tianjin Ruihai International Logistics chemical warehouse last year, for example, led to the death of 165 people. A government-issued statement pointed out that the company was to be blamed for handling hazardous chemicals without an operation permit.

Amid the reported chemical explosion deaths in this part of China, 49 people. including port and work safety officials, were arrested for failure to observe the set rules and regulations.

Tagschina, hazardous chemicals, Tianjin explosion, Greenpeace Environmental Trust, China Chemical Explosion Deaths