IQ tests for children with excess lead in their bloods
But doctors dismiss link between high levels and slow development
Three out of 23 children who underwent intelligence tests yesterday after excess lead was found in their blood showed symptoms of slow development, the Department of Health said.
Government doctors insist there is no evidence to suggest a link between the test results and the lead levels, as about 10 per cent of children typically experience developmental difficulties.
The children live at two out of three public housing estates where the detection of excessive levels of lead in tap water has unnerved the city. They underwent voluntary assessments at a government clinic, including studies of their physical condition and emotional behaviour.
The three who struggled through the IQ tests "have different problems … such as difficulty in mastering language, communication and cognition", Dr Florence Lee, a consultant with the department's child assessment service, said yesterday.
"There are congenital and other causes for the slow development. Currently, no concrete evidence proves their intelligence is affected by lead in drinking water."
The 23 were among 27 children under six who showed lead concentrations that were beyond safe limits in blood tests held last week on residents of Kai Ching Estate in Kowloon City and Kwai Luen Estate in Kwai Chung.
Their blood lead levels were over Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing-man's stated limit of 5 micrograms per 100 millilitres of blood for children; the highest level found was 15mcg.