The County Government of Nakuru and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) have initiated joint scientific research to probe an association between the use of beauty products and the rising prevalence of cancer in the devolved unit.
Executive Committee Member in charge of Health Ms Jackline Osoro disclosed that various research findings in Nakuru have raised the red flag over the increasing cancer cases, particularly among women over 15 years, due to potential links to cosmetic products such as dyes and relaxers.
This comes after the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) issued an alert on the rising imports of harmful cosmetic products into the country.
In October last year, the standards watchdog said some of the makeups it has banned, including bleaching products, have found their way back into the market, despite containing harmful components that endanger users’ skin.
“Most of the harmful makeups being sold are coming from neighbouring countries. They remain popular in the market despite their harmful effects notwithstanding. We have seen products that we have banned are also quite preferred by the people, they prefer the bleaching (products) that contain mercury, hydroquinone and such,” KEBs indicated in a statement.
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Ms Osoro, who was flanked by Deputy Director of the Centre for Community Driven Research (CCDR) at KEMRI, Dr. Esther Matu, County Chief Officer for Medical Services Dr John Murima and his Public Health counterpart Alice Abuki further said public health awareness initiatives are essential to educate residents about research outcomes related to beauty products and cancer risk.
