The Ministry of health through the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards has alerted public over the dangers and health safety of individuals who are in possession of Sodium cyanide after a spill in Kambembe Area, Rironi in Kiambu County.
According to MOH, several drums containing the toxic chemical are missing and suspected to be in the possession of individuals within the surrounding community.
“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,” said PS Mary Muthoni.
The Ministry of Health and the County Government of Kiambu successfully collaborated to respond to the spill in Kambembe right away, making the location safe and clear for regular operations.
MOH has made steps to locate, keep an eye on, and effectively seize any substances that may have inadvertently found their way into the community.
The public is reminded by MOH to call the National Disaster Operation Centre and the Public Health Emergency Operation Centre for assistance, since even a small amount of sodium cyanide can be lethal if consumed orally since Sodium cyanide is extremely hazardous.
The symptoms of being poisoned by Sodium cyanide include light-headedness, giddiness, rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting (emesis), feeling of neck constriction and suffocation, confusion, restlessness, and anxiety.
“If one comes into contact with the poisonous chemical, they are advised to immediately flush their skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes and contact the provided Emergency contacts,”
Additionally, unless they are wearing protective gear, MOH cautions the public not to handle the broken containers or spilled substance. Small spills should be covered with dry sand, dry earth, or any other non-combustible substance to reduce exposure.
When handling sodium cyanide, workers should use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, and eye protection, to avoid exposure to poisoning.
They should also receive training on the dangers of sodium cyanide and emergency response protocols, as well as make sure that environments handling the chemical have proper ventilation and spill containment systems. Having access to antidotes is essential in the event of poisoning.
For those who have the missing chemicals should turn them in to the staff at the temporary station. MOH has managed to set up a temporary station, manned by the Kiambu County Health Department, close to the incident site to review, advise, and support those who might have trouble accessing health facilities.
The Ministry of Health has continued to show its steadfast commitment to resolve the situation through collaboration with local residents and other relevant parties in order to manage the risks connected to hazardous materials and protect public health.
