Journal of Environmental Health Sciences (한국환경보건학회지)

Korean Society of Environmental Health (한국환경보건학회)
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A Scientific Critique of a Korean Court's Acquittal for Involuntary Manslaughter Related to 5-chloro-2-methylisothiazol-3(2H)-one/2-methylisothiazol-3(2H)-one (CMIT/MIT), a Humidifier Disinfectant (HD) Part I: Material safety, exposure and delivery to target organ from an HD perspective

CMIT/MIT 함유 가습기 살균제 제품의 제조 및 판매기업 형사판결 1심 재판 판결문에 대한 과학적 고찰 (I) - 제품 위험성과 노출평가 측면에서

  • Park, Dong-Uk (Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University) ;
  • Zoh, Kyung Ehi (Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University) ;
  • Kim, Jiwon (Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University) ;
  • Choi, Sangjun (Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea) ;
  • Kwon, Jung-Hwan (Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University) ;
  • Jun, Houngbae (Kangwon National University Law School) ;
  • Kim, Sungkyoon (Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Institute of Health and Environment, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University)
  • 박동욱 (한국방송통신대학교 보건환경학과) ;
  • 조경이 (서울대학교 보건대학원 환경보건학과) ;
  • 김지원 (한국방송통신대학교 보건환경학과) ;
  • 최상준 (가톨릭대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실) ;
  • 권정환 (고려대학교 생명과학대학 환경생태공학부) ;
  • 전형배 (강원대학교 법학전문대학원) ;
  • 김성균 (서울대학교 보건대학원 환경보건학과, 서울대학교 보건환경연구소)
  • Received : 2021.02.27
  • Accepted : 2021.04.07
  • Published : 2021.04.30
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Abstract

Objectives: There was a judgment of acquittal for the manufacturer SK Chemical and the vendor Aekyung regarding humidifier disinfectant (HD) containing 5-chloro-2-methylisothiazol-3(2H)-one/2-methylisothiazol-3(2H)-one (CMIT/MIT). The rationale used in this judgement is discussed here in the light of scientific consideration. Methods: The sentencing document for the judgements was obtained from the Korea Supreme Court Service. In particular, the judgements made by the court related to the risk of HD and external and internal exposure to CMIT/MIT are discussed based on scientific evidence. Results: Rendering a determination in a criminal trial of insufficient evidence of causation, the court dismissed the prosecution's motion that humidifier disinfectant-associated lung injuries (HDLI) and asthma were associated with the utilization of these products. However, CMIT/MIT, a strong sensitizing and corrosive substance, has been reported to be associated with brain toxicity, allergic contact dermatitis, and asthma. Furthermore, the judgment did not consider total consumption amounts or the cumulative dose of CMIT/MIT in the humidifier. Lastly, there are several cases supporting the fact that exposure to water-soluble substances including CMIT/MIT can cause lower respiratory tract diseases. In addition to cases of asthma among the workers exposed to CMIT/MIT, we identified lung injury victims who were exposed to HDs exclusively containing CMIT/MIT. Conclusions: We conclude that there is sufficient evidence supporting the assertion that HDs containing CMIT/MIT cause lung injuries, including asthma, contrary to the court's judgement.

Keywords

References

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