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The Government today (September 4) released the latest blood test results of public estate residents affected by the lead in drinking water incidents.
Among the latest batch of 791 samples, 780 show normal blood lead levels. The blood lead levels of 11 residents are on borderline raised levels. Among them, there are nine children, one pregnant woman and one lactating woman. Their blood lead levels are in the range of 5 to 9.3 micrograms per decilitre, indicating potential health risks. Details of the blood tests are in the annex.
Taking reference from medical literature as well as local and overseas experience, the Hospital Authority (HA) and the Department of Health (DH) have derived the reference values of blood lead levels and corresponding actions to be taken in various health-care settings.
The DH will perform lead exposure assessment for all of the above residents with borderline raised blood lead levels, and will arrange preliminary developmental assessment if they are children aged under 12. The HA will arrange health evaluation and follow-up for residents with borderline raised blood lead levels who are children aged 12 or above, adults, pregnant women or lactating women, and arrange ongoing blood lead level monitoring for all residents with borderline raised blood lead levels.
Members of the public may call the DH's hotline (2125 1122) regarding lead and its health effects. Appointments for blood tests for those in the more easily affected groups can also be made by calling the hotline.
As at 5pm today, the DH's hotline has received 7,110 telephone enquiries and arranged 4,559 appointments for blood testing.
Ends/Friday, September 4, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:20
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