HIGH heavy metal levels found in imported vegetables could be silently attacking the nervous systems, health and intelligence of children, a doctor has warned.
A City University study, released this week, found excessive levels of lead and cadmium when comparing cabbage, lettuce, Chinese kale, tomatoes, oranges and potatoes from the US, Australia and the mainland.
It found lead levels in Chinese white cabbage and flowering white cabbage were abnormally high, while Chinese kale and lettuce from the US 'exceeded the food safety limit' for another toxic heavy metal, cadmium. In the case of the kale, it was three to seven times the recommended level. Cadmium levels in Chinese radish, bought locally, also exceeded the Government's recommended limit.
Hong Kong Medical Association spokesman Dr Choi Kin said cadmium poisoning could cause vomiting and diarrhoea and, on a long-term basis, kidney damage, emphysema, bone pain and fractures and the loss of sense of smell.
'It's also been suggested that cancer of the lung and prostate could be from cadmium poisoning,' Dr Choi said.
Different types of lead poisoning from industrial waste or leaded petrol fumes could cause anaemia, weakness of the hands, shortness of breath, heart problems, kidney damage, headaches, tremors, nervousness and, in extreme cases, hallucinations, confusion and coma.
'They develop drowsiness, convulsions and trauma. The IQ of children in areas where lead is used in petrol may be down,' Dr Choi said. 'The nervous system is less well-developed in the young. The younger the child is exposed, the higher the chance of their being damaged.' If the heavy metal levels of imported vegetables were consistently high, they could be causing serious - but difficult to diagnose - problems. 'Especially because it is insidious. If you haven't undergone specific training, you may not be able to diagnose the poisoning,' Dr Choi said.