The agency tasked with management of the environment last week raided shops of timber traders using illegal chemical to treat wood. CCA is a wood preservative containing chromium, copper and arsenic that protects wood from rotting caused by insects and microbial agents. While chromium and copper are essential to the body for normal metabolic functions, high concentrations of these chemicals may cause chromium and copper poisoning, Nema warned. Risks of chemical exposureJohn Mumbo, Nema compliance and enforcement senior officer, said the chemical should only be handled by licensed people. Among the six people arrested during the raid were Moses Njogu Muiruri of Goodtimes Timber, Ruiru, and Hellen Kabura from Highway Timber in Ruai.

Source: The Star May 09, 2016 12:52 UTC