AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

28 April 2006

Blood test results received for Onehunga Playcentre

Blood samples from children attending the Onehunga Playcentre show that none of those tested have elevated levels of lead in their systems.

The tests were done after soil testing at the playcentre in Hill Street revealed high levels of lead and small concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on site.

Eighteen children from the playcentre were volunteered for blood tests.

Auckland City’s Deputy Mayor, Bruce Hucker, says the blood test results are pleasing.

“These results will be reassuring for parents because they show that there is no evidence of lead poisoning and that the risk for these children has obviously been very low.

“They will also offer comfort to parents of children who attended this playcentre in the past because they show that children are unlikely to have absorbed high levels of lead through this site,” Dr Hucker says.

All of the eighteen children tested had blood lead levels of between two and four micrograms per decilitre of blood. These levels are consistent with exposure to normal background levels of lead in the environment.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) usually investigates when children have blood lead levels above 15 micrograms per decilitre of blood. The ARPHS has been advised of the results.

Work to remediate the Onehunga Playcentre site is now complete and landscaping work is underway.

ENDS

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