Press Releases
Government releases latest blood test results of public estate residents affected by lead in drinking water incidents
The Government today (September 24) released the latest blood test results
of public estate residents affected by the lead in drinking water incidents.
Among the latest batch of 179 samples, 174 show normal blood lead levels.
The blood lead levels of five residents are on borderline raised levels, all
of whom are children. Their blood lead levels are in the range of 5.1 to 6.9
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 had received 7,659 telephone enquiries and
arranged 4,773 appointments for blood testing.
Ends/Thursday, September 24, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:07
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Annex