**********************************************************
The Government today (October 14) released the latest blood test results of citizens affected by the lead in drinking water incident.
Among the latest batch of 23 samples, 22 show normal blood lead levels (four are from kindergarten children while 18 are from residents of the affected public rental housing estates) and the remaining blood sample from a pregnant woman living in Choi Fook Estate has been found to be borderline raised at 8.87 micrograms per decilitre, indicating a potential health risk. 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 established measures, the DH will arrange lead exposure assessment for the pregnant woman above. The HA will conduct health evaluation and follow up on the woman'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 had arranged 5,245 appointments for blood testing and the DH's hotline had received 7,774 telephone enquiries.
Ends/Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:23
NNNN
