Community testing clinics scheduled

Community clinics to test blood levels in Waikouaiti, Karitane and Hawkesbury residents have been scheduled, as Public Health South looks to see whether the community may have experienced chronic exposure to lead in the drinking water.

They will take place in the East Otago Events Centre, Waikouaiti, from 9-12 February, with clinics at the following times:

• Tuesday 9 February: 2 – 5pm. Children will be prioritised.
• Wednesday 10 February: 9am – 4pm. Children will be prioritised.
• Thursday 11 February: 3pm – 7pm.
• Friday 12 February: 3pm – 7pm.

Testing will be available for permanent Waikouaiti, Karitane and Hawkesbury residents and testing will be free. Residents unable to attend a clinic during the clinic times are able to request a test through their GP and this will also be free.

A clinic in Karitane is also being explored.

Parents are asked to bring children to the first two clinics, where phlebotomists (blood testers) who specialise in working with children will be available.

Those being tested will also be asked to complete a questionnaire, detailing other activities such as working with lead-based paint, hunting or leadlighting, that could mean they have had a higher exposure to lead.

“By not drinking the water, we no longer believe there is an acute risk to residents. Our focus is now on looking to see whether there has been any long-term chronic exposure to lead. This will help us understand if there are concerns with the wider water supply, or whether the spikes in the readings have been a localised issue.

“Chronic exposure to lead in adults can lead to symptoms including tiredness, memory and sleep problems, headaches, joint pains, as well as nausea, diarrhoea or constipation, stomach pains and weight loss. Lead toxicity can cause anaemia, kidney problems, neurological problems, higher blood pressure, and can have effects on reproductive functions.

Children and babies may not show any symptoms of low-level exposure, but long-term exposure to lead can still be harmful to their development.”

Dr Jack says many of these symptoms are very general and could be attributed to a range of conditions.

“If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should not conclude this is due to lead exposure. However we do need to understand if there has been ongoing exposure to the community, and lead level tests in the blood will help us determine this.”

ENDS.