Bungoma clinic closed until cancer-causing asbestos cleaned up

These days there's a clamour to declare cancer a national disaster and bring in all the latest diagnostic and treatment equipment, and specialists.

The dimension of education is less well emphasised; lack of basic knowledge is widespread and here is a case in point.

Many people do not know that that asbestos, used for years as an excellent insulator, also causes cancer, especially when its fibers get into the lungs.

Services at Kimalewa Health Centre in Kabuchai, Bungoma, have been halted after Nema cited careless disposal of asbestos.

Speaking at the facility on Thursday, Bungoma environment director  Vincent Mahiva said part of the authority’s mandate is to safeguard the environment and the health and lives of the people.

Mahiva said when  any substance in the environment is likely to cause damage to the health or the environment, Nema always must take take bold steps to contain the situation and people's health is safeguared.

He said the disposal of the asbestos at Kimalewa Health Center was carelessly done by the contractor.

“A contractor did a shoddy job, asbestos cannot be handled in such a careless manner,” Mahiva said, adding that now the facility is contaminated with asbestos.

He told the Star that the asbestos leaked to the community that has used it to put up structures. But the hazardous minerals from from asbestos can cause lung cancer and other diseases.

“Some people have used the asbestos materials to fence kitchen gardens while some are using it to protect chicken houses, " Mahiva said.

"I have talked to the community and the facility management to ensure that all the asbestos is removed and disposed of according to the Nema guidelines,” he said.

In addition, he said services at the facility will remain suspended until all the asbestos is mopped up and the ones leaked to the community recovered.

He said proper disposal mechanisms should be taken. 

Mahiva said that materials containing asbestos must be viewed as hazardous and packaged to keep fibres from getting into the air.

The director revealed that the asbestos guidelines have been produced through collective efforts of Nema, the ministries of public health and sanitation and the director of occupational safety services.

The county director said that he will work with the police department to ensure that facilities are working in accordance with the Nema guidelines.

(Edited by V. Graham)