Blood samples from nine Kai Ching Estate residents have been found to contain normal levels of lead with no significant health risk, Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man announced today.
The residents live in the flats first confirmed with excessive amounts of lead in their water supply.
Dr Ko told a press conference this afternoon that so far, more than 800 residents have registered for blood tests. Their blood samples will be taken in phases at two public hospitals.
He added that an inter-departmental meeting was held today to discuss the health risk assessment and follow-up action with Department of Health and Hospital Authority experts.
The experts have set the reference value for blood lead level and formulated a care plan by making reference to relevant literature and research by local medical sector and overseas health authorities, including the US Centres for Disease Control & Prevention, Dr Ko said.
“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,” he noted.
Dr Ko added that the Government would continue to closely monitor the results of drinking water tests conducted by the Housing Department and the Water Supplies Department, as well as the Hospital Authority's blood test results, and take appropriate action according to the latest situation and needs.
