Barely a month after residents of Garissa and Wajir conducted mass destruction of thermos flasks in fear of contracting cancer, the government chemist has finally confirmed that the tea flasks with asbestos pellets can actually cause cancer.
According to a report from the government chemist signed by S.G Njoroge, inhaling of asbestos material is likely to cause cancer of the abdomen and that of the pleura (asbestosis).
“Inhaling fibers of asbestos materials is toxic and may lead to cancers of the abdomen and and that of the pleura (asbestosis),” the report reads in part.
This follows concerns by a Garissa resident Mohammed Ibrahim who wrote to the state health agency, querying the widespread allegations.
In September this year, a section of residents in Garissa and Wajir counties destroyed their thermos flasks after reports went round in the social media that they could cause cancers.
Videos of individuals breaking flasks also went round on various social media platforms causing panic even in other neighboring counties.