Kenyan authorities have asked for help in finding containers of a highly toxic chemical that were looted from an overturned truck near the capital, Nairobi.
Sodium cyanide is dangerous and can kill if ingested or inhaled, even in small amounts, health authorities warned, adding that it also poses a major risk to the environment.
It is not uncommon in Kenya for trucks to be looted following a road accident – after the truck overturned on Saturday night, several containers were taken by people who rushed to the scene.
The government urged people to avoid the site, which is on the busy Nairobi-Nakuru highway, while the US embassy advised its citizens to take a detour.
The accident happened about 35 km (22 miles) from Nairobi and caused a spill on the runway.
It’s unclear what caused the truck to roll over. Authorities also did not release details about the driver’s condition.
The national environmental agency appealed to the public immediately alert the nearest police station if they see the containers.
“The public is also warned against coming into contact with the contents of the containers, which are white pellet-shaped substances,” the agency said.
Kenya Ministry of Health said the chemical should only be handled by people wearing protective equipment.
“Sodium cyanide interferes with the use of oxygen, leading to rapid death if ingested or inhaled in high doses. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting and seizures,” he said.
Sodium cyanide can contaminate soil and groundwater, the ministry said, adding that the chemical can remain in the environment for a long time and consequently accumulate in the food chain.
Commercial uses for sodium cyanide include fumigation, extracting gold and silver from ores and manufacturing chemicals, according to the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Local media reported that while some people carried containers of the chemical, others who came with gallons left without taking anything after realizing that the substance was of no use to them.
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