Hazardous chemicals contained in plastic waste and recycled materials are increasingly becoming a threat to both environmental and human health in Kenya. This study investigates the presence of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in free-range chicken eggs and consumer products collected from areas affected by waste dumping, e-waste recycling, and open burning. Samples were obtained from locations including Dandora dumpsite, Ngara e-waste market, Mirema community cooker, and Nanyuki, and were analysed for a wide range of toxic chemicals, including dioxins, PCBs, brominated flame retardants, and PFAS.

The findings revealed alarming levels of contamination in both food and consumer products. Eggs collected near pollution hotspots contained significantly higher concentrations of toxic chemicals than reference samples, with eggs from Ngara recording some of the highest PCB levels ever measured in free-range chicken eggs globally. Additionally, many black plastic consumer products, including toys, kitchen utensils, office supplies, and hair accessories, were found to contain hazardous flame retardants associated with recycled e-waste plastics.

The study highlights the urgent need for stronger controls on plastic waste management, recycling practices, and hazardous chemical content in products. It recommends eliminating the use of contaminated plastics in consumer goods, restricting toxic flame retardants, banning the open burning of plastic waste, and promoting safer technologies for waste treatment. These measures are essential for protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, and advancing a non-toxic circular economy in Kenya.