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The Government today (September 17) released the latest blood test results of public estate residents affected by the lead in drinking water incidents.
Among the latest batch of 833 samples, 826 show normal blood lead levels. The blood lead levels of seven residents are on borderline raised levels, all of whom are children. Their blood lead levels are in the range of 5.3 to 8.6 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 healthcare settings.
According to the established measures, the DH will perform lead exposure assessment for all 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 7 550 telephone enquiries and arranged 4 754 appointments for blood testing.
Ends/Thursday, September 17, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:48
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