AUGUST 24TH 2015
COMMISSION ESTABLISHED FOR HONG KONG LEAD SCARE
At least 10 estates in Hong Kong have now been confirmed to be affected by heavy metal water contamination. Particularly worrying are the excessive levels of lead. The most severe case reported thus far has been that at Un Chau Estate where levels read 14.3 times World Health Organisation standards (10 micrograms/L).
The case, increasingly drawing public attention, echoes another revelation this month of extreme levels at a major reservoir in Northern China, responsible for supplying drinking water to Beijing and other large regional cities. Recent tests at the Danjiangkou reservoir exposed lead levels measuring in at 20 times WHO standards, in some ways overshadowing those recent measurements in Hong Kong. The reservoir however, which flows to 60% of taps in Beijing, is reported to undergo extensive treatment before reaching consumption points, making drinking water concerns less warranted.
The issue in Hong Kong is expected to stem from the materials used in construction. Adults absorb about 10 percent of lead from drinking water while children typically absorb between 30-50%, with the majority of the lead unable to be excreted staying in the host’s bones and teeth. Young children exposed to prolonged absorption are at risk of abnormal brain development, higher risk of cardiovascular disease, and issues with kidneys or the reproductive system.
The reported incidents in Hong Kong have sparked approval from the local Chief Executive in Council to commission an investigation. The problem with the inquiry is that a report will not be released for another nine months, meaning exposure may very well continue for locals.
The revelations in Hong Kong must not be seen as a black swan, with average lead readings across China remaining on average at roughly 50 micrograms/L, still well above WHO and US Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. What is needed, not only in Hong Kong but nationwide are a revamp of qualification systems and perseverance in quality control.
SOURCES:
http://www.ecns.cn/2015/08-13/177062.shtml
Annex Asia Publishing
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Image: Wikimedia
