Sodium Cyanide spillage site declared safe as concerns mount over missing chemicals

 

sodium cyanide 

The accident site of the sodium cyanide spillage in the Kambembe area in Rironi, Kiambu County has been declared safe.

The Ministry of Health Monday morning announced that the area had been cleared and is now safe for normal use and operations.

” The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with relevant ministries and the County Government of Kiambu, has successfully responded to the sodium cyanide spill in Kambembe Area, Rironi, Kiambu County. The site has been cleared and is now safe for normal use and operations” read a statement by the health ministry.

The assurance comes in the wake of mounting safety concerns over the risks associated with highly toxic substances.

The incident has caused panic following the disappearance of several drums containing the toxic chemical suspected to be in the possession of individuals within the surrounding community.

Members of the public who may have come into contact with the chemical are advised to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.

A temporary station, manned by the Kiambu County Health Department, has been established near the incident site to review, advise, and support those who may have difficulty accessing health facilities.

“Individuals in possession of the missing chemicals are requested to surrender them to the personnel at the temporary station or call the emergency numbers provided for information on how to return them to the authorities” urged Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni.

Community engagement

Although no cases of poisoning have been reported, the Ministry has initiated risk communication and community engagement through churches, primary care networks, community health promoters, National Government Administration Officers, and the Nyumba Kumi initiative.

“These efforts aim to track, monitor, and secure any chemicals that may have wrongfully ended up in the community,”  she insisted.

The chemical is extremely toxic, and ingesting or inhaling even small amounts is potentially fatal.

“We remind the public that sodium cyanide is extremely toxic, and even small amounts of ingestion or inhalation can be fatal. In case of contact, affected individuals should immediately flush their skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes and contact the Public Health Emergency Operation Center at 0729471414 or 080072136 (toll-free), and the National Disaster Operation Centre at 0800721571 for assistance” she advised.

By Margaret Kalekye