By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Kenyan officials have called for assistance to locate and return containers containing highly toxic chemical which were stolen from an overturned lorry near the capital city, Nairobi, following an accident.
After an accident which led the truck to overturn late on Saturday, several containers were taken by people who rushed to the scene.
According to the country’s health officials, sodium cyanide is dangerous and can kill if swallowed or inhaled even in small amounts.
They further warned that it also poses a major risk to the environment.
The government urged nearby residents to avoid the accident scene, which is on the busy Nairobi-Nakuru highway.
In response to the development, the US embassy advised its citizens to take a detour.
It is not clear what led to the articulated vehicle to overturn and spill its content.
The authorities have also not released details about the condition of the driver.
The national environmental agency urged the public to immediately alert the nearest police station if they spot the containers.
“The public is also cautioned against coming into contact with the contents of containers, which are white substances in pellets form,” agency said.
Kenya’s health ministry said the chemical should only be handled by people wearing protective gear.
“Sodium cyanide interferes with oxygen use, leading to rapid death if ingested or inhaled in high doses. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, and convulsions,” the ministry said.
Sodium cyanide can contaminate soil and groundwater, the ministry said, adding that the chemical can last in the environment for a long time and consequently accumulate in the food chain.
The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health said commercial uses of sodium cyanide include fumigation, extracting gold and silver from ores and chemical manufacturing.
Local media reported that while some people carted away containers of the chemical, others who came with jerry cans left without taking anything after realising that the substance was of no use to them.
