The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has made a significate gain in the fight against illicit chemical trade in Liberia, as it has confiscated another consignment of chemical illegally brought into the country.
Environmental inspectors on Sunday, May 23, 2021 confiscated 50 tins containing Formaldehyde (40%volume each weighing 34Kg).
The chemicals were being transported to an unknown destination in a pick-up with plate number ‘A 4509’ when it was arrested by environmental inspectors at Nee Zoe Junction in Paynesville, outside Monrovia.
Formaldehyde is a sensitizing agent that can cause an immune system response upon initial exposure. It is also a cancer hazard.
Acute exposure is highly irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat and can make anyone exposed cough and wheeze.
It can be recalled that the EPA on Saturday, May 1 2021, seized about 2.2 Metric tons of chemicals illegally imported into Liberia from Guinean, days after it commenced a nationwide chemical inventory to regulate the import, transportation, handling, storage, sale and use of chemicals in Liberia aim at abolishing illegal chemical trade in the country.
Chemicals provide enormous benefits to society and play a vital role in the economy but they may also carry risks for the environment (water, air, soil) and human health.
The Agency is calling on residents to inform it of all chemical hideouts and stockpiles across the Country to enable it maintain a Registry of all chemicals in Liberia.
The EPA also reassures the public of its inalienable commitment to ensuring a clean, healthy and safe environment for this and succeeding generations.