**********************************************************
The Government today (November 5) released the latest blood test results of citizens affected by the lead in drinking water incident.
Among the latest batch of 379 samples, 378 show normal blood lead levels (372 are from kindergarten children or staff members of affected schools, whereas six are from residents of the affected public rental housing estates) and the remaining blood sample from a child studying in Yuen Long Church (Church of Christ in China) Long Ping Estate Chan Kwong Kindergarten has been found to be borderline raised at 5.72 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 the established measures, the DH will arrange lead exposure assessment and preliminary developmental assessment for the above-mentioned student. The HA will follow-up on the student'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 arranged 5,670 appointments for blood testing and DH's hotline received 7,841 telephone enquiries.
Ends/Thursday, November 5, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:46
NNNN
