Excessive lead has been found in the water supply of Tung Wui Estate, Hung Hom Estate phase two, and Shek Kip Mei Estate phase two.
Secretary for Transport & Housing Prof Anthony Cheung announced the findings today, saying 25 water samples out of 185 taken from the estates exceeded the World Health Organisation lead limit. A quick test suggested lead was found in the soldering materials.
The Housing Department will contact the estates' main contractors, provide bottled water for residents, provide temporary water supplies, set up water outlets on the ground floor, and conduct seminars tonight to give residents the latest information.
Hospital Authority Quality & Safety Director Dr Derrick Au reported that 33 residents of Kwai Luen Estate Phase two have been found to have lead levels in their blood slightly higher than the international standard.
They include 24 children, eight lactating mothers and a pregnant woman. The children affected will be sent for developmental checks.
The Government has also expanded the blood test criteria. Apart from lactating mothers and pregnant women, children under eight who moved to the estates concerned when they were under six can also apply for blood tests.
