The Ministry of Health and the County Government of Kiambu have successfully cleared the site in Rironi, Kiambu County, where Sodium Cyanide was spilled.
The incident occurred on Saturday when a truck carrying cylinders of this hazardous chemical overturned, leading to the spill.
The State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards reported that some drums of the chemical are still unaccounted for and may be in the possession of local residents.
Despite no reported cases of poisoning, the ministry is actively engaging with the community to track and secure any misplaced chemicals.
The ministry emphasized the danger of sodium cyanide, stating, “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.”
Residents are urged to handle any encounters with the chemical with extreme caution, using proper protective gear.
The ministry advised, “Members of the public are advised not to touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing protective clothing.
To minimize exposure, small spills should be covered with dry earth, dry sand, or any other non-combustible material.”
Further safety guidelines include the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and eye protection, ensuring adequate ventilation, and having spill containment systems in place.
Proper training on handling sodium cyanide and emergency response procedures is also mandatory for anyone dealing with the chemical.
Immediate access to antidotes is crucial in case of poisoning.
The Kiambu County Health Department has established a station to assist those affected by the spill.
Residents in possession of the chemical are urged to return it to this temporary station or contact the disaster management unit.
Following the incident, the United States issued a warning on Sunday, advising its citizens to avoid the affected road.
Researchers From China And Romania Investigate Solar Radiation’s Impact On Earth’s Interior
