The Kenya Bureau of Standards(KEBS) has addressed viral notice that has linked ink used by popular national newspaper publishers to cancer cases.
In a statement shared on its X account, KEBS denied owning the notice, flagging it as fake
“Public notice on newspaper petroleum-based printing ink linked to cases of cancer. This notice is fake and has not originated from KEBS. Please take notice,” KEBS said.
In the notice that has sparked wild reactions among Kenyans, it was alleged that KEBS had instructed media houses to reduce the use of carbon blank ink, which contains traces of of polycyclic aromatic Hydrocarbons(PAHs) linked to cancer and other health issues.
“We wish to inform the public that pursuant to an agency mandated investigation, the following national media houses have failed to meet the minimum required thresh hold for the use of commercial petroleum-based printing ink in their Newspapers; 1Nation Media Group(Daily nation, The East African, Business Daily, Taifa leo). 2. Standard Group(The Standard, The Nairobian.)”
The fake statement further said that KEBS had instructed the mentioned media houses to immediately put corrective measures in place.
It further stated that KEBS had recommended to Kenyans to stop using such newspapers for wrapping food and “in other cases using them as toilet paper.”
“Special attention has been given to Mama Mbogas, butcheries and those who live in informal settlements . Studies have linked this carbon black petroleum based ink to cancer and other skin disorders,” the statement further alleged.
“Public Notice on newspaper petroleum-based printing ink linked to cases of cancer.”
This Notice is “FAKE” and has not originated from @KEBS_ke
PLEASE TAKE NOTE!!! ^JKK#StandardsForQualityLife pic.twitter.com/dwLaKlrw3a— KEBS KENYA (@KEBS_ke) February 6, 2024
