Lead Water Latest: IQ Tests For Kids
Twenty-three children from the housing estates tainted by the lead water scandal recently underwent IQ tests, following blood exams that revealed higher than normal levels of lead in their blood. Three of the 23 children tested showed signs of slow development, though doctors stated that there was no concrete link between the results and the lead water. More than 1,300 residents of the affected estates have applied for blood tests, with some samples being sent to the US for testing to cope with the heavy demand. Officials suspect that the lead in the estates’ water supply derives from impurities found in the solder used on water pipes. Secretary for Transport and Housing Anthony Cheung suggested that it was impossible to have zero impurities in the water, but suggested that they might abandon pipes which needed solder in the future.

Our Take: Water wonderful world…

Cathay Bans Oriental Daily From Planes
On July 21 Cathay Pacific banned the distribution of that day’s issue of the Oriental Daily News on their planes. Cathay released a written injunction to employees, saying that “Due to management decision, there will be NO Oriental Daily News 東方日報 loaded on board today. In case it’s loaded, please DO NOT serve to passenger [sic].” Staff have lashed out at the orders, saying that hiding the truth from the passengers is not good. The Oriental Daily has reported a series of negative stories about Cathay Pacific in recent months. This is the first time that Cathay has issued a media ban.

Our take: Yup, nothing shuts down a paper like ineffectually trying to censor them.

Tuen Mun Hospital Gets 10,000 Tests Wrong
A medical scandal has broken out at Tuen Mun Hospital after incorrect settings on a liver analysis machine may have delivered incorrect results to almost 10,000 elderly patients over two years. Purchased in 2013 by the hospital’s Department of Pathology, the machine analyzes enzyme levels to assess liver function and bone health. Results were incorrectly calibrated, being based on normal levels for the opposite sex. 9,443 patients were affected by the error, including 1,425 who have already died. The Hospital Authority says it has yet to discover any deaths which were linked to the error. Dr. Tony Ko, chief executive of the New Territories West Cluster hospitals, pointed out that the test was only one of many used to diagnose illness, and said it was unlikely that the error had contributed to incorrect treatment.