By Kim Se-jeong
A group of experts of environmental health and toxicology has called for the government to support for victims of harmful humidifier disinfectants, and introduce tighter chemical regulation to prevent a similar catastrophe from happening again.
Issuing a statement after a forum at the National Assembly, Wednesday, members of the Korean Society of Environmental Health and Toxicology and the Korean Society of Environmental Health made seven proposals, including the establishment of a toxic substance control center.
“The center will help improve the management of chemicals,” they said in the statement.
The statement said Korea needs a separate law on biocides and chemicals for registration, approval and monitoring.
They also pressured lawmakers to move faster to address the victims’ needs.
Professor Hong Soo-jong from the Asan Medical Center, who has examined people who have applied for government recognition as victims, said they have a variety of symptoms while the government has recognized only lung disease so far.
The scholars called for the government to swiftly recognize other victims.
The nation’s worst biocide incident killed at least 146, and left hundreds with lung and other diseases, and concerns are growing about other chemicals used in household products.
Last week, the Ministry of Environment said it will inspect all biocide products on the market. This week, it announced a ban on seven products for failing to comply with related regulations.
As fears over biocides grow, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education instructed all schools in its jurisdiction to inspect all biocides used on school campuses. The office told them to minimize biocide and chemical use including cleaning detergent for school dishes, and algicide for swimming pools.
In the meantime, the prosecution summoned officials of Home plus, to question them on allegations that they knew the products they sold contained toxic chemicals.
Earlier, it questioned officials from Oxy Reckitt Benckiser Korea, which is blamed for 103 deaths with its product. Three officials of the company, including former CEO Shin Hyun-woo, were arrested. The company is planning a meeting with victims in Daejeon, Friday, to listen to their demands.