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The Government today (September 11) released the latest blood test results of public estate residents affected by the lead in drinking water incidents.
Among the latest batch of 840 samples, 832 show normal blood lead levels. The blood lead levels of eight residents are on borderline raised levels. Among them, there are five children and three adults, but no pregnant woman or lactating woman. Their blood lead levels are in the range of 5 to 16.7 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 had received
7 408 telephone enquiries and arranged 4 709 appointments for blood testing.
Ends/Friday, September 11, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:38
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