Truck Carrying Sodium Cyanide Overturns, Government Advises Public to Avoid AreaTruck Carrying Sodium Cyanide Overturns, Government Advises Public to Avoid Area The government has issued a public warning following an incident in Kiambu where a truck carrying sodium cyanide overturned, releasing the highly toxic substance. The incident occurred in the Kambembe area of Rironi, prompting Chief Secretary of Health Mary Muthoni to urge residents to steer clear of the scene and cooperate with authorities. Ingestion or inhalation of even small amounts of sodium cyanide can be fatal, she emphasized. Symptoms of exposure include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and potentially unconsciousness and convulsions. Prolonged exposure may lead to serious health complications such as neurological damage, thyroid problems, and cardiovascular issues. The substance also poses significant environmental hazards, with the potential to harm aquatic life and damage aquatic ecosystems. To minimize risks, Muthoni advised the use of appropriate personal protective equipment when handling sodium cyanide and emphasized the government’s commitment to public safety and managing risks associated with the substance.
The government has issued a public warning following a dangerous incident in which a truck carrying sodium cyanide overturned in Kiambu.
The incident is said to have taken place in the Kambembe area of Rironi, where the highly toxic substance was released.
In a statement, Mary Muthoni, Chief Secretary of Health, urged residents to avoid the area and fully cooperate with authorities.
“The ministry advises the public to avoid the scene of the incident and to cooperate with our emergency response and disaster management teams as they work to bring the situation under control,” she said.
According to Muthoni, the substance is extremely toxic and ingesting or inhaling even small amounts can be fatal.
She noted that exposure can cause immediate symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting.
“Severe exposure can lead to unconsciousness and convulsions within minutes,” she added.
She stated that prolonged or repeated exposure to lower levels can lead to long-term health problems, including neurological damage, thyroid problems and cardiovascular disease.
Regarding environmental hazards, the PS noted that sodium cyanide poses a significant threat to aquatic life. Any accidental discharge into waterways could lead to extensive fish kills and long-term damage to aquatic ecosystems, she said.
“Although sodium cyanide can break down over time, the initial effects are often devastating,” she explains.
Muthoni also advised using appropriate personal protective equipment when handling sodium cyanide to avoid direct exposure.
She noted that the ministry remains committed to ensuring public safety and managing the risks associated with the substance.
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