Sodium Cyanide spillage area declared safe amidst missing containers

By Peter Ochieng

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has declared the site of the sodium cyanide spillage in the Kambembe, Rironi, Kiambu County safe. The dangerous spill was caused by an overturned truck due to an accident on Saturday.

According to Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni, the area has 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,” reads parts of a statement from the PS.

However, all is still not well as several containers containing the toxic chemical that went missing are suspected to be in the possession of individuals within the surrounding community.

A temporary station has been established near the incident site to review, advise, and support those who may have difficulty accessing health facilities, after coming into contact with the chemical.

“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 Muthoni.

The PS reminded members of the public how dangerous the chemical is.

“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.”

Exposure symptoms include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting, with severe cases resulting in loss of consciousness and convulsions within minutes.

Prolonged exposure can cause long-term health issues like neurological damage, thyroid dysfunction, and cardiovascular problems.