In 2019, Dennis Okari shook Kenyans with his exposé on the maize, milk, and meat locally consumed. The documentaries dubbed White Alert and Red Alert prompted several to be mindful of what they eat as most foods have chemicals that are detrimental to human health. Further, his documentary on how toxic the Nairobi River was and the agricultural practices around it were evidence that as a country, we are far from achieving the safe food for all goal. The uncovering was a tip of how toxic environments and foods are affecting. However, some may wonder why the fuss over the toxicity topic?

Toxic substances are those that cause injury and death. This can be in the form of radiation, cosmetics, gas, laundry detergents, contaminated food, water, paint, when ingested, topically applied, or inhaled, the effects may range from mild to severe. Some health implications are instantaneous while others transcend generations as is the case with Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

These chemicals can be anywhere around us. The detergents, lead-painted walls, and toys, mercury loaded beauty products, aflatoxin laden products on your shelf, hydrogen peroxide milk in your cup of tea, vegetables, and water with heavy metals could be culprits at home. Fumes and waste products released from the nearby industries into the air, water bodies, and soils, and some agricultural chemicals used by farmers interfere with the healthy state of our environment. Also, they are occupational hazards to those handling them.

Having identified the sources of these harsh chemicals, be wary of the environment and workspace and foods consumed. The health implication as a result of these substances is immense. In June 2014, the Owino-Uhuru district in Mombasa experienced cases of lead toxicity as a result of the toxic wastes from the lead smelting company within. Further, early this year, a steel industry in Syokimau was closed after residents around the factory developed respiratory problems because of the fumes released. Other effects of these hazardous substances include:

1. Vomiting
2. Drowsiness
3. Diarrhea
4. Stillbirths/ miscarriages
5. Cancer such as cancer of the liver
6. Liver and kidney damage
7. Reduction in red blood cells and hemoglobin
8. Cognitive impairment
9. Allergic reactions
10. Death
11. Body mutations and deformations for fetuses and infants

Despite the body’s ability to excrete chemicals through sweat, exhalation, and fecal matter, not all poisonous substances are removed. The amount, type, and exposure time to such substances determine the intensity of the health effects. However, susceptibility is dependent on age, gender, genetics, medical condition, and pregnancy. Pregnant women, fetuses, infants, the elderly, and adolescents are more at risk.

Therefore, before making that purchase on paint or food, carefully read the labels. If the environment around you is not habitable due to all the poisonous pollutants, shift. As for the government body KEBS, regular testing of products available in the Kenyan market to be done to assure safety and those around water bodies where toxic materials are released, save a life instead of earning a dime on the vegetables grown using the ‘deadly’ water.

We all have a role to play. A healthier, safer nation instead of a toxic one begins with you.