By Kim Hyo-jin
The National Assembly has agreed to conduct a parliamentary investigation into the Oxy humidifier disinfectant scandal that has killed more than an estimated 140 people, according to lawmakers, Monday.
The probe schedule will be finalized by July 6.
“We agreed to create a special Assembly committee to look into the humidifier disinfectant case that has many victims and has concerned the public,” Rep. Kim Do-eup, the vice floor leader of the ruling Saenuri Party, said after a meeting with his counterparts in the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK) and the minor opposition People’s Party.
The rival parties chose the opposition-backed humidifier disinfectant scandal as the first investigative case for the 20th National Assembly, reflecting the larger opposition parties’ concerns following the April 13 general election.
They also agreed to form seven additional special parliamentary committees on improving the livelihood of citizens; creating jobs; reforming the political system; decentralizing municipal financing; easing regulations; managing the Pyeongchang Olympics; and improving inter-Korean relations.
The parties are likely to discuss a fatal incident at Guui Station that raised attention on the poor working conditions of subcontracted workers as the next possible issue for a parliamentary hearing, Kim said.
The humidifier disinfectant scandal caused a stir after four pregnant women died of unknown lung problems in 2011.
The nation has been embroiled in the toxic humidifier disinfectant scandal that is believed to have caused over a hundred deaths over 10 years since such products made by Oxy Reckitt Benckiser, a British-controlled company, were put on the market.
Health authorities in 2011 confirmed that there was a connection between the deaths of more than a hundred people who lost their lives through lung problems caused by the chemicals used in the humidifier disinfectant.
Prosecutors have been investigating manufacturers and retailers of the disinfectants to uncover whether they sold the products while knowing of the health risks.