They protested an American request to the South Korean government asking for regulations on CMIT and MIT – the major chemical ingredients at the root of the scandal that resulted in at least 73 deaths and allegedly hundreds more – to be eased. (Image: Asian Citizen’s Center for Environment and Health)
SEOUL, Oct. 17 (Korea Bizwire) — Families of the victims of the South Korean toxic humidifier disinfectant scandal, accompanied by a local environmental organization, joined hands in denouncing the U.S. government on October 16.
They protested an American request to the South Korean government asking for regulations on CMIT and MIT – the major chemical ingredients at the root of the scandal that resulted in at least 73 deaths and allegedly hundreds more – to be eased.
According to the National Network for the Humidifier Disinfectant Crisis (operating under the Korea Federation for Environmental Movements), the Trump administration recently channeled its request through the World Trade Organization, citing that South Korea’s ban of CMIT and MIT in certain products had set new restrictions on its exports.
The Ministry of Environment banned the use of CMIT and MIT last year for all air fresheners and spray-type products. (Image: Yonhap)
The Ministry of Environment banned the use of CMIT and MIT last year for all air fresheners and spray-type products.
“It is absurd [for the U.S.] to make such a request, especially when our government’s measures were already very limited,” said an official from the environmental organization, who added that the chemicals should have been banned entirely.
“No one argues against the U.S. government’s immigration policies that were introduced after 9/11,” the official added. “The Trump administration should put itself in our shoes.”
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
