Chemistry and toxicology play a vital role in national security. They provide the scientific tools needed to detect, identify, and respond to threats arising from chemical weapons, hazardous industrial chemicals, and toxic substances.

Toxicology is often considered a specialized branch of chemistry, sometimes referred to as "the science of poisons.” However, modern toxicology goes far beyond that simple definition. It is an interdisciplinary field that assesses the likelihood of harm (risk), determines safe exposure levels, and evaluates both acute and chronic health effects of chemical substances. Chemistry provides the analytical foundation—offering precise methods to detect, identify, and quantify toxins in living organisms and the environment.

A practical example is the growing concern of methanol poisoning in Rwanda. Methanol intoxication has become a serious public health issue linked to the consumption of illegally produced, unregulated, or adulterated alcoholic beverages across various districts.

Methanol poisoning occurs when methanol is illegally added to alcoholic drinks as a cheaper substitute for ethanol. Unlike ethanol, methanol is highly toxic. Once ingested, it is metabolized into formic acid, which can cause severe metabolic acidosis, blindness, organ failure, and death.

Between 2021 and 2022, 183 forensic cases were reported, with 6.6 percent of tested illicit samples exceeding methanol safety limits. In February, more than 25 deaths due to methanol intoxication were recorded across districts including Huye, Ruhango, Kamonyi, Rwamagana, and Bugesera. Many additional victims required urgent medical intervention. Treatment protocols typically include ethanol administration, dialysis, and fomepizole to block toxic metabolism pathways.

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Exposure to this organic compound can be life-threatening if not promptly treated, underscoring the importance of chemical surveillance and toxicological expertise.

Agrochemical poisoning also represents a significant health and security concern. In Rwanda, cases of acute and chronic illness—and even fatalities—have been reported among farmers and consumers due to pesticide misuse. Contributing factors include limited awareness, improper handling, and insufficient use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Studies have documented symptoms such as skin irritation, headaches, nausea, and respiratory problems among farmers following pesticide application. There have also been reported cases of accidental and intentional poisoning affecting both humans and domestic animals.

Chemical safety in Rwanda is managed through a multi-agency framework overseeing the registration, storage, and disposal of laboratory and industrial chemicals. Institutions such as Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) and Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) provide critical oversight, guided by national strategic plans for 2024–2026. These frameworks protect public health and the environment while reducing the risk that chemicals could be diverted for malicious purposes.

The importance of chemistry and toxicology extends far beyond public health. They are central to intelligence gathering, battlefield defense, forensic investigations of terrorist attacks, and the protection of critical infrastructure.

Globally, the widespread production and distribution of chemical substances have made chemical security a pressing issue. Traditional safety measures focus on accidents or negligence. Chemical security, however, addresses deliberate misuse—acts intended to harm populations or disrupt infrastructure. Unlike accidental exposure, intentional chemical attacks are designed to cause maximum physical and psychological damage.

This evolving threat landscape requires enhanced regulation, monitoring systems, and scientific preparedness. Countries with limited resources may face heightened risks, including intentional contamination of consumer products or food supplies.

Chemistry has a dual nature: it drives innovation in medicine, agriculture, and industry, yet the same knowledge can be misused to develop harmful agents. Understanding this dual-use challenge is essential for national preparedness.

Protecting society therefore demands a comprehensive approach. It involves preventing state-level aggression and terrorism, managing industrial hazards, strengthening forensic capacity, and improving environmental monitoring. Governments that understand how chemical and toxicological principles can be exploited are better positioned to anticipate and mitigate emerging threats. At the same time, many chemical and biological materials serve legitimate commercial and developmental purposes. Balancing economic growth with national security requires thoughtful regulation that safeguards citizens without stifling innovation.

Chemical safety is not merely a regulatory obligation—it is a national security imperative. Protecting populations and critical infrastructure requires scientific expertise, risk assessment, inter-agency coordination, and proactive planning.

Countries that effectively integrate chemistry, toxicology, regulatory oversight, and security strategy are better equipped to address both accidental and intentional chemical threats. In the modern era, defending a nation from chemical risks is as much about scientific capacity as it is about strategic policy.

By strengthening the integration of chemistry, toxicology, and national security frameworks, Rwanda—and nations worldwide—can build resilient systems capable of responding to the evolving challenges posed by chemical agents.

Justin N. Kabera is the Chemistry Division Manager at Rwanda Forensic Institute (RFI).