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The Government today (July 18) released the first batch of blood test results of public estate residents affected by the lead in drinking water incidents.
The first batch of blood test results contains nine blood samples from residents of Kai Ching Estate. Drinking water from the flats of these residents was found exceeding the guideline lead level set by the World Health Organization. The blood lead level of all the samples is normal with no significant health risk. Details of the blood test results are in Annex 1.
The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, said at a press conference, "I convened an inter-departmental meeting today to discuss health risk assessment and follow-up actions with experts of the Department of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority (HA). Making reference to relevant literature and researches by local medical sector and overseas health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States, the experts have set the reference value for blood lead level and formulated a care plan (details are in Annex 2)."
According to the assessment by experts, a blood lead level below five micrograms per deciliter is considered normal with no significant health risk in persons below 18 years old, pregnant women and lactating mothers. There is no need for further follow-up. A blood lead level in the range of 5 - 44 micrograms per deciliter is borderline raised with potential health risks. Health evaluation and follow-up are required. A blood lead level of more than 44 micrograms per deciliter is significantly raised with a risk of lead poisoning. Medical assessment and follow-up are required.
The health risk faced by adults after exposure to lead is relatively lower than that faced by the above group of persons. Hence, experts consider that in adults, a blood lead level below 10 micrograms per deciliter is considered normal with no significant health risk. There is no need for follow-up. A blood lead level in the range of 10 - 50 micrograms per deciliter is borderline raised with potential health risks. Health evaluation and follow-up are required. A blood lead level of more than 50 micrograms per deciliter is significantly raised with a risk of lead poisoning. Medical assessment and follow-up are required.
"We fully understand that the residents are worried about the health impacts caused by drinking water containing lead and hope the Government would expand the scope of blood tests. We would continue to closely monitor the results of drinking water tests conducted by the Housing Department and the Water Supplies Department, as well as HA's blood test results, and take appropriate actions according to the latest situation and needs," Dr Ko said.
United Christian Hospital has today started to take blood samples from children under 6 years of age, pregnant women and lactating mothers living in Kai Ching Estate and Kwai Luen Estate who have made appointments for blood tests. Test results are expected to be confirmed about four days after blood taking. Princess Margaret Hospital will start taking blood samples from people who have made appointments for blood tests next Saturday (July 25). DH and HA will follow up on the blood test results according to the aforesaid reference value of lead in blood.
Ends/Saturday, July 18, 2015
Issued at HKT 21:01
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