Concerns over theft of toxic chemicals from trucks in Kenya

Kenyan officials have called for help in finding containers of highly toxic chemicals that were looted from an overturned truck near the capital, Nairobi.

Health officials warn that sodium cyanide is so dangerous that even small amounts can be fatal if swallowed or inhaled, and it also poses a major threat to the environment.

It is not uncommon for trucks to be robbed following road accidents in Kenya – late on Saturday, several containers were taken by people who arrived at the scene after a truck overturned.

The government urged people to avoid the site, which is on the busy Nairobi-Nakuru highway, while the US Embassy also advised its citizens to take a detour.

The accident occurred about 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Nairobi and caused an oil spill on the tarmac.

It was not immediately clear what caused the truck to flip. Authorities also did not release the driver’s condition.

National Environment Agency Urge the public If you find these containers, report them to the nearest police station immediately.

“The public is also warned not to touch the contents of the container as it is a granular white substance,” the health agency said.

Kenya Ministry of Health Indicates that only personnel wearing protective gear should handle this chemical.

“Sodium cyanide affects oxygen usage and can cause rapid death if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and convulsions,” the report said.

Sodium cyanide can contaminate soil and groundwater, the ministry said, adding that the chemical can remain in the environment for a long time, accumulating in the food chain.

Commercial uses of sodium cyanide include fumigation, extracting gold and silver from ores and chemical manufacturing, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

While some people hauled away containers of chemicals, others who were carrying oil drums took nothing after realizing the substances were of no use to them, local media reported.