BC-Department of Environmental Health
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Item Identification and Characterization of the Microbial Contaminants: of Herbal Medicines in Kenya(VDM Verlag Dr. Müller, 2011) Nyamari, J. M.; Onyambu, MeshackWith the ever increasing use of herbal medicines and the global expansion of the herbal medicines market, safety has become a concern for both health authorities and the public in many countries. This is because many contaminants and residues that may cause harm to the consumers have been reported. Many are natural such as naturally occurring radioxides, toxic metals, bacteria and fungi. Some arise from past and present use of agents or materials that pollute the environment and subsequently medicinal plants, such as emissions from factories or the residues of certain pesticides. For these reasons, there is currently a global danger to the health and well-being of the people. These risks can be reduced by ensuring that there is enough surveillance of herbal medicines so that those with harmful contaminants and residues above recommended limits do not reach the public. This study therefore was aimed at identification and characterization of the microbial contaminants in herbal medicines sold in Kenyan herbal clinics, Chemists, supermarkets and streets. The microbial loads were established and the contaminants isolated and identified.Item Implications of Urban Livestock Farming on Meat Quality: Assessment of Selected Heavy Metals in Meat Consumed in Eldoret Town, Kenya and their Health Implications on Consumers(VDM Verlag Dr. Müller, 2010) Nyamari, J. M.; Gelas, M.The main objective of this study was to assess levels of selected heavy metals lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in meat consumed in Eldoret Town, Kenya. This study focused on Liver and Kidney of bovine, since these are depository sites for toxic heavy metals.404 samples of liver and kidney were collected, dried and ground, two grams of dried samples were wet digested using concentrated nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide and the digest was analyzed for Pb and Cd using flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer - Varian 200 Lead concentrations in liver ranged from 0.01 - 0.33mg/kg, while Cd was 0.001 - 0.17mg/kg. In kidney samples, Pb ranged from 0.01 - 0.33mg/kg, while Cd, ranged from 0.001 - 0.436mg/kg. The maximum concentrations of Pb and Cd found in liver and kidney were from animals samples obtained from urban areas. Most of the samples had concentrations below maximum levels recommended by the WHO / FAO, but considering that relatively higher concentrations were observed in animals from urban areas, there is need to educate public about the dangers of keeping animals for consumption in urban areas, and there is need for continuous monitoring studies to ensure meat is free from heavy metalsItem Health Implications of Urban Livestock Farming on Meat Quality: Assessment of Selected Heavy Metals in Meat Consumed in Eldoret Town, Kenya and Their Health Implications on Consumers(VDM Verlag Dr. Müller, 2010-02-17) Nyamari, J. M.; Simiyu, GelasThe main objective of this study was to assess levels of selected heavy metals lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in meat consumed in Eldoret Town, Kenya. This study focused on Liver and Kidney of bovine, since these are depository sites for toxic heavy metals.404 samples of liver and kidney were collected, dried and ground, two grams of dried samples were wet digested using concentrated nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide and the digest was analyzed for Pb and Cd using flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer - Varian 200 Lead concentrations in liver ranged from 0.01 - 0.33mg/kg, while Cd was 0.001 - 0.17mg/kg. In kidney samples, Pb ranged from 0.01 - 0.33mg/kg, while Cd, ranged from 0.001 - 0.436mg/kg. The maximum concentrations of Pb and Cd found in liver and kidney were from animals samples obtained from urban areas. Most of the samples had concentrations below maximum levels recommended by the WHO / FAO, but considering that relatively higher concentrations were observed in animals from urban areas, there is need to educate public about the dangers of keeping animals for consumption in urban areas, and there is need for To ensure continuous monitoring studies meat is free from heavy metals.