Four hospitalised after Qld chemical spill

Ambulance officers have taken four people to hospital following a chemical spill at a waste transfer station in Cairns.

Emergency services were alerted about 11.15am (AEST) on Thursday of a chemical spill and possible gas leak at the station in the industrial suburb of Portsmith.

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman told AAP seven people were decontaminated on site, four of whom were taken to hospital in a stable condition.

They were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure and for further testing.

The waste transfer station has been evacuated while testing is carried out on the unidentified chemical.

Firefighters remain at the scene and authorities are advising people to avoid the area.