KEBS Dismisses Cancer Ink Panic: Debunks Viral Newspaper Warning
On Tuesday, February 6, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) rejected a widely circulated claim that it had prohibited a printing ink utilized by two media organizations in their newspapers.
On its Twitter account, KEBS identified the widely circulated post as untrue.
The marked post indicated that the regulatory authority had banned the utilization of printing ink derived from petroleum due to its carcinogenic nature, posing a significant health hazard for readers of newspapers.
“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 note!” KEBS stated.
KEBS had to provide clarification following doubts raised by numerous Kenyans about the post’s reliability. Some individuals were asking why this information wasn’t communicated promptly.
The viral message asserted that the regulatory body initiated an investigation into the two media outlets that frequently employ the “harmful” ink in their daily publications.
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“We wish to inform the public that under an agency-mandated investigation, the following national media houses have failed to meet the minimum required threshold for the use of commercial petroleum-based printing ink in their national newspapers,” claimed the aforementioned post.
“These petroleum-based inks are known to be toxic and not to be safe due to high amounts of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs),” the now contested post further suggested.
As per the falsified announcement, it implied that KEBS had given a 45-day deadline for the two media organizations to adhere to the requirements.
The fraudulent notification also cautioned Kenyan citizens against the practice of using newspaper fragments or wrapping food items as a substitute for toilet tissue.
“Special attention is 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,” it read, in part.
“KEBS is working with all government institutions to resolve the issue of compliance. In this regard, KEBS will continue to work with the Ministry of Health (Office of the Director of Public Health).” the flagged post went on to state.
KEBS Dismisses Cancer Ink Panic: Debunks Viral Newspaper Warning
