South Korea shifts responsibility for humidifier disinfectant victims
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On October 8, South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment will enact revised regulations to change how it compensates people harmed by humidifier disinfectants. The new system moves away from placing sole responsibility on businesses and establishes a shared responsibility between the national government and the companies that made the products.
The changes stem from an amendment to the Special Act on Relief and Support for Humidifier Disinfectant Victims, passed in April.
The Ministry will establish detailed procedures for applying for and receiving compensation, including criteria for determining payment amounts for medical expenses, caregiving costs, lost wages, disability, and bereavement. The government will also continue to cover ongoing medical and caregiving costs for victims who still require treatment. The Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute and the National Institute of Environmental Research will serve as victim support centers, providing assistance with school admissions and university tuition.
To fund these efforts, the government will collect contributions from businesses, with specific amounts determined based on their role in the harm. The Ministry plans to minimize confusion during the transition by providing information and counseling to existing victims and will incorporate their feedback into the final compensation standards.
