Nakuru County Assembly Committee on health is pushing to have all asbestos within health facilities in the county removed.
Led by Chair on health MCA Njuguna Mwaura(Elburgon), the committee members argue that the asbestos are dangerous to the health of patients as per scientific studies.
Speaking during the handing over of the Nakuru Trauma Centre Completion Project to Kenya Defence Forces, MCA Njuguna sought the KDF support on the same.
He mentioned various hospitals in Nakuru that still have asbestos that are posing health hazard to those who visit the facilities.
According to MCA Mwaura, several facilities have asbestos and the committee has written several concerns to the government over the same.
He spoke and sought the attention of Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya who was the Chief Guest at the event, on the matter.
It should be noted that asbestos have inhalation hazard: The danger arises when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, releasing tiny fibers into the air.
Lung damage: When inhaled, these fibers can lodge in the lungs and are nearly impossible for the body to eliminate.
Chronic illness: Over time, the accumulated fibers can lead to inflammation, scarring, and serious health problems such as asbestosis and cancer.
Delayed symptoms: The health effects of asbestos exposure can take many years, sometimes decades, to appear.
Professional and home exposure: Exposure can occur in jobs that involve working with asbestos, but also through renovation or demolition in homes that contain asbestos products, as these activities can release fibers into the air.
It should be noted that some of the estates such as Flamingo and Kivumbini that had asbestos, mechanisms have been made through the county Ward budget to have them replaced with iron.
