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The Government today (October 7) released the latest blood test results of citizens affected by the lead in drinking water incident.
Among the latest batch of 17 samples, 16 show normal blood lead levels (four are from kindergarten children, whereas 12 are from residents of the affected public rental housing estates) and the remaining blood sample from a child living in Kai Ching Estate has been found to be borderline raised at 15.3 micrograms per decilitre, indicating potential health risk. Details of the blood test results 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 established measures, the DH is contacting the child above with a view to performing lead exposure assessment and arranging preliminary developmental assessment. The HA will conduct health evaluation and follow up on the child's blood lead level over time.
Members of the public may call the DH's hotline (2125 1122) regarding lead and its health effects. Appointments for blood tests for those who belong to the more easily affected groups and are living in affected public rental housing estates can also be made by calling the hotline. As at 5pm today, the DH has received 7 735 telephone hotline enquiries and arranged 5 084 appointments for blood testing.
Ends/Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:31
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