Lethal chemical theft in Rironi sparks health scare
The Ministry of Health has sounded the alarm following the theft of several containers carrying the lethal compound Sodium Cyanide. The theft, which occurred at Rironi, along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway, followed a Saturday morning accident involving a truck carrying the substance.
Sodium Cyanide, a toxic compound that can kill if ingested, is usually transported as pellets or briquettes and easily absorbs water from air. The alarm from the Ministry follows reports that several containers containing the substance cannot be accounted for.
Health authorities have raised concern, warning the public that Sodium Cyanide poses grave danger to both the public and the environment.
As of Monday, the Ministry declared the accident site safe for normal use and operations following extensive cleanup efforts. However, concerns remain high due to the possibility that unscrupulous individuals could be in possession of the substance.
Already, the ministry has set up a temporary station near Rironi to assist the people who may have been exposed and to facilitate the return of any missing consignments of Sodium Cyanide.
“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.
The missing containers hold this hazardous substance, identifiable by its appearance as small, white pellet-like material. Sodium Cyanide is a highly toxic chemical used primarily in industrial processes.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has issued a stern warning to the public regarding the hazardous nature of Sodium Cyanide, noting that it is extremely toxic to both humans and the environment.
“Ingestion or inhalation of even small amounts can be fatal. Exposure can cause immediate symptoms such as headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting. Severe exposure can lead to loss of consciousness and convulsions within minutes,” Mary Muthoni, Public Health Principal Secretary said.
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Highly toxic chemical
“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,” Muthoni advised.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Sodium cyanide releases hydrogen cyanide gas, a highly toxic chemical that interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen. Exposure to sodium cyanide can be rapidly fatal.
The compound is known to affect body organs that are quite sensitive to low oxygen levels such as the central nervous system (brain), the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels), and the pulmonary system (lungs).
The compound is commercially used for fumigation, electroplating, extracting gold and silver from ores, and chemical manufacturing. CDC notes that the hydrogen cyanide gas released by sodium cyanide has a distinctive bitter almond odour, however, Sodium cyanide is odourless when dry.
