By Candy Margaret Vizengwa
Industrialization has fueled Kenya’s economic growth, but it has also unleashed a silent danger—Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs). These harmful substances infiltrate everyday products, from plastics and cosmetics to toys and mining operations, posing serious risks to human health and the environment. Despite regulations, many TICs continue to circulate undetected, exposing people and ecosystems to long-term harm.
Plastics, a staple of modern convenience, contain hazardous additives like phthalates, short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs), and heavy metals. These chemicals, designed to enhance flexibility and durability, do not degrade easily. When plastics are improperly disposed of or recycled, they leach toxins into soil and water, contaminating ecosystems and endangering wildlife. Studies highlight the dangers of children’s toys made with PVC, where prolonged exposure increases the risk of ingestion of harmful substances.
Metals such as cadmium, mercury, and lead pose even greater threats. Cadmium, commonly found in cheap jewelry and batteries, accumulates in the body, causing kidney damage and cancer. Mercury, widely used in artisanal and small-scale gold mining, pollutes water sources, air, and soil. Miners unknowingly release mercury vapors when extracting gold, poisoning themselves and their communities. Research in Migori County shows alarming levels of mercury in women of childbearing age, signaling widespread exposure risks. Mercury’s reach extends beyond mining—it is present in household items like fluorescent lamps, electrical relays, and even some cosmetics, making its contamination almost inescapable.
Lead, another persistent pollutant, lingers in old infrastructure, paint, and batteries. It accumulates in the environment, seeping into soil and water. Even in minute amounts, lead damages the nervous system, particularly in children, with irreversible consequences. It remains in circulation despite global bans, contributing to long-term environmental degradation.
Other industrial chemicals, such as formaldehyde and arsenic, further compound the problem. Formaldehyde, found in household furniture, carpets, and cosmetics, releases harmful fumes that increase cancer risks. Arsenic, often present in pesticides and contaminated water, silently poisons populations over time, affecting vital organs with little immediate warning. These pollutants do not vanish when products are discarded; they persist in the environment, poisoning land, air, and water.
Efforts to combat TIC exposure are growing. Organizations like the Center for Environment Justice and Development (CEJAD) and the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) advocate for stricter regulations and safer alternatives. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has recently taken a step forward by mandating the registration of all TICs in Kenya, promoting accountability among chemical handlers.
However, regulations alone are not enough. Kenya must prioritize strict enforcement, public awareness, and the adoption of sustainable alternatives to prevent further damage. The urgency is clear: these chemicals are not just harming human health—they are poisoning our land, air, and water, endangering future generations. The choice is ours—act now or continue down a path of irreversible environmental destruction.
