Press Releases
Government releases blood test results of public estate residents affected by lead in drinking water incidents (with photo)
The Government today (July 18) released the first batch of blood test
results of public estate residents affected by the lead in drinking water
incidents.
The first batch of blood test results contains nine blood samples from
residents of Kai Ching Estate. Drinking water from the flats of these
residents was found exceeding the guideline lead level set by the World
Health Organization. The blood lead level of all the samples is normal with
no significant health risk. Details of the blood test results are in Annex
1.
The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, said at a press
conference, "I convened an inter-departmental meeting today to discuss
health risk assessment and follow-up actions with experts of the Department
of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority (HA). Making reference to relevant
literature and researches by local medical sector and overseas health
authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the
United States, the experts have set the reference value for blood lead level
and formulated a care plan (details are in Annex 2)."
According to the assessment by experts, a blood lead level below five
micrograms per deciliter is considered normal with no significant health
risk in persons below 18 years old, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
There is no need for further follow-up. A blood lead level in the range of 5
- 44 micrograms per deciliter is borderline raised with potential health
risks. Health evaluation and follow-up are required. A blood lead level of
more than 44 micrograms per deciliter is significantly raised with a risk of
lead poisoning. Medical assessment and follow-up are required.
The health risk faced by adults after exposure to lead is relatively lower
than that faced by the above group of persons. Hence, experts consider that
in adults, a blood lead level below 10 micrograms per deciliter is
considered normal with no significant health risk. There is no need for
follow-up. A blood lead level in the range of 10 - 50 micrograms per
deciliter is borderline raised with potential health risks. Health
evaluation and follow-up are required. A blood lead level of more than 50
micrograms per deciliter is significantly raised with a risk of lead
poisoning. Medical assessment and follow-up are required.
"We fully understand that the residents are worried about the health impacts
caused by drinking water containing lead and hope the Government would
expand the scope of blood tests. We would continue to closely monitor the
results of drinking water tests conducted by the Housing Department and the
Water Supplies Department, as well as HA's blood test results, and take
appropriate actions according to the latest situation and needs," Dr Ko
said.
United Christian Hospital has today started to take blood samples from
children under 6 years of age, pregnant women and lactating mothers living
in Kai Ching Estate and Kwai Luen Estate who have made appointments for
blood tests. Test results are expected to be confirmed about four days after
blood taking. Princess Margaret Hospital will start taking blood samples
from people who have made appointments for blood tests next Saturday (July
25). DH and HA will follow up on the blood test results according to the
aforesaid reference value of lead in blood.
Ends/Saturday, July 18, 2015
Issued at HKT 21:01
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