Excessively high lead levels measuring up to 60 percent above the recommended limit by the World Health Organization has been found for the first time in drinking water at a Hong Kong hospital, according to SCMP.

Like Us on Facebook

The water sample was initially collected from a water boiler at a daycare center for children and adolescent psychiatric patients, the Hospital Authority revealed on Friday.

The daycare center is part of Alice Ho Liu Ming Nethersole Hospital located in Tai Po.

The water found in the boiler provides a supply of hot water, but the sample obtained through it yielded 15.95 micrograms of lead per 1 liter of water.

This value exceeds the World Health Organization's recommended level of 10 micrograms per liter.

The sample was included among the 17 specimens acquired in the pediatric wards and milk kitchen of the hospital.

"The boiler was removed and replaced yesterday by an accredited one with international certification," said a spokesman for the hospital.

The spokesman added the water filters will be installed at the water area of the day center.

Three teenagers have been attending the day centre every day since November.  The most vulnerable patients, such as the pregnant and lactating mothers were given distilled water as a precaution.

Lead was mostly found in the solder joints of boilers, which was tested with X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometer.

Another study initiated by the Hong Kong Productivity Council confirmed that the increased levels of lead in the boilers was caused by the leaded soldering material exposed to high temperature.

Copper alloy, another component in the boiler, reportedly released more lead into the hot water when they were used for the first time.

However, after boiling and draining the water several times, the lead levels dropped drastically.

The government is highly encouraging the public to purchase boilers with international certification.

Tagslead, drinking water, hong kong hospital, Alice Ho Liu Ming Nethersole Hospital, Boiler Water, World Health Organization (WHO), High Lead Level Water Hong Kong Hospital