The levels of lead and other contaminants in soil samples collected from six electronic waste workshops in Ta Kwu Ling and Hung Lung Hang are low, the Environmental Protection Department says, adding they will not pose health hazards nor requireremediation work.

While an earlier Greenpeace's report indicated the presence of lead and flame retardant polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) in soil at those sites, the department's test results released today showed their contents are within acceptable levels.

The department said the six sites and many other electronic waste sites in the New Territories are primarily used for storage, re-packaging and trading of second-hand or discarded office equipment and household appliances such as computers and television sets.

Soil samples collected from within and immediately outside the boundary of the six electronic waste sites were analysed for heavy metals including lead and PBDE. 

Samples collected from areas immediately outside the waste sites show low lead concentration, between 39 and 98 mg/kg, which is within the same range as the natural background concentration.

The department said lead content is found to be higher in topsoil within the waste sites, but rapidly decreases to normal levels at a shallow depth.

But they are all below the acceptable level set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for lead in soil for children's playing areas, which is 400 mg/kg, and so are not considered to be posing any health risk.

PBDE level much below standard

Lead content of soil within the waste sites ranges from 79 to 390 mg/kg, also below the limit.

As for PBDE, it is well below the standard the agency specifies for residential soil remediation.