Lilian Wong speaks to Damon Pang
Local paediatric groups have urged the government to formulate a comprehensive child health policy, saying the lack of such a policy may have contributed to dozens of suspected lead-poisoning cases in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Paediatric Society and the Paediatric Foundation say the discovery of lead-tainted water at housing estates and schools across Hong Kong show that not enough focus is being put on the well-being of children. Dozens of children have been found to have elevated levels of lead in their blood, which can lead to significant health issues.
The groups also say the government’s benchmark for ‘acceptable’ lead levels in children is not stringent enough, as even levels below the standard can cause potential health risks such as lowered intelligence and attention spans, along with other behavioural problems.
Lillian Wong, President of the Paediatric Society, said the establishment of a Children’s Commission could help government departments improve their co-ordination of matters related to the lead contamination and other child health issues. She said overseas experience indicates that the government can save up to 75-percent in public health costs in the long run.
The Hong Kong Paediatric Society and the Paediatric Foundation say the discovery of lead-tainted water at housing estates and schools across Hong Kong show that not enough focus is being put on the well-being of children. Dozens of children have been found to have elevated levels of lead in their blood, which can lead to significant health issues.
The groups also say the government’s benchmark for ‘acceptable’ lead levels in children is not stringent enough, as even levels below the standard can cause potential health risks such as lowered intelligence and attention spans, along with other behavioural problems.
Lillian Wong, President of the Paediatric Society, said the establishment of a Children’s Commission could help government departments improve their co-ordination of matters related to the lead contamination and other child health issues. She said overseas experience indicates that the government can save up to 75-percent in public health costs in the long run.
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1212540-20150920.htm
