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By Morton Saulo
Kenya is on course towards eradicating asbestos, lead and aluminium poisoning.
Stringent measures have been put in place by environment agency National Environment Management Authority (Nema).
Director of Compliance and Enforcement at Nema, Benjamin Langwen says the Government is on course to complete elimination of lead.
"Lead is available in various forms including in gasoline, plumbing equipment and recycling facilities," he says.
He adds: "Lead in gasoline has been faced out in our market."
Mr Langwen observes that lead traces are still in our plumbing equipment, more so water pipes and taps.
"It is advised that before fetching tap water, one should let it run for three minutes," he says.
The director notes that when the PH level is below six, there is a lot of dissolutions of lead in water, which is harmful. He says when the PH level is low, it becomes acidic causing corrosion, adding the cheapest form of lead is available in recycling facilities.
"Technicians recycling used car batteries are exposed to lead.
He adds: "For facilities like factories, the Government is regulating lead emulsion by providing recycling licenses."
Langwen discourages the use of paint mixed with paraffin since it contains lead. On Aluminium, he says impacts are relatively low and human health cases related to it is minimal. He notes that the Government is trying to contain usage of asbestos.
"Though it is no longer used in construction, owners of houses with such materials are advised not to burn or scratch it," he says.
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