• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제42권3호
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• pp.141-146
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• 2016

In South Korea, many cases of humidifier disinfectant-associated lung injury (HDLI) have been reported among people who used humidifier products containing humidifier disinfectant (HD). The objectives of this study are to estimate both airborne HD concentration in the room where HD was used and the amount of humidifier disinfectant absorbed into the respiratory system. Information and data on the HDs were collected using a structured questionnaire and home environmental investigations include the volume of HD (ml) and hours used per day, concentration of disinfectants contained in the HD brand (${\mu}g/ml$), volume of the room ($m^3$), assumed ventilation rate ($m^3/hr$) and breathing rate assumed ($m^3/hr$). We used children aged under five years old as a sample and estimated both airborne HD concentrations and amount of HD absorbed into the respiratory system. The estimated airborne concentration of HD in the room ranged from 68 to $369{\mu}g/m^3$ for PHMG (polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate) and from 16 to $239{\mu}g/m^3$ for PGH (oligo (2-(2-ethoxy) ethoxyethyl guanidine). The amount of HD absorbed in the respiratory system per day was estimated to range from 227 to $1,225{\mu}g$ for PHMG and from 53 to $794{\mu}g$ for PGH. In conclusion, a great amount of HD was likely absorbed into respiratory system, likely beyond the level of the capacity of the immune system to remove the HD absorbed.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제46권5호
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• pp.481-494
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• 2020

Objectives: No study has been conducted to review characteristics of humidifier disinfectants (HD) products, such as real numbers, levels and types of HD substances contained, or the volume marketed. We aimed to review the characteristics of HD through a literature review. Methods: We collected literature reporting the names, numbers, and ingredients of HD and discussed them with a focus on the number of HD products and the chemicals used as a disinfectant. Results: A total of eight publications has reported the names of HD brands or types of disinfectants from 2011 to 2020. To date, a total of 40 HD products have been used, excluding four products. Eight HD products used polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG) and 14 used a mixture of chloromethylisothiazolinone (CMIT) and methylisothiazolinone (MIT) as disinfectants. Benzalkonium chloride (BKC) and sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) were also used as a disinfectant in several HD products. A total of 19 HD products were associated with the development of HD associated lung injury (HDLI). The Oxy Saksak HD product containing PHMG showed the highest number of HD associated health effects. The type of disinfectant from a total of 14 HD products has not been identified. Conclusions: A total of 40 HD products have been marketed in South Korea since 1994. Further studies should be conducted to identify the association of product characteristics, including type of HD ingredients, with health effects.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제47권2호
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• pp.111-122
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• 2021

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.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• 제31권
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• pp.19.1-19.7
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• 2016

A large portion of the Korean population has been exposed to toxic humidifier disinfectants (HDs), and considering that the majority of the victims are infants, the magnitude of the damage is expected to be considerably larger than what has currently been revealed. The current victims are voicing problems caused by various diseases, including but not limited to lung, upper respiratory tract, cardiovascular, kidney, musculoskeletal, eye, and skin diseases, etc. However, there has been difficulty in gaining validation for these health problems and identifying causal relationships due to lack of evidence proving that toxic HD is the specific causes of extrapulmonary diseases such as allergic rhinitis. Furthermore, the victims and bereaved families of the HD case have not received any support for psychological distress such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, feelings of injustice, and anger caused by the trauma. In addition, because the underlying mechanisms of the toxic materials within the HDs such as polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate, poly(oxyalkylene guanidine) hydrochloride, chloromethylisothiazolinone /methylisothiazolinone have yet to be determined, the demand for information regarding the HD issue is growing. The victims of the HD cases require support that goes beyond financial aid for medical costs and living expenses. There is a desperate need for government-led integrated support centers that provide individualized support through health screenings; in other words, we need an integrated facility that provides the appropriate social support to allow the victims to recover their physical and mental health, so as to well prepare them to return to a normal life. The implementation of such a plan requires not only the close cooperation between those departments already directly involved such as the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, but also active support on a national scale from pan-governmental consultative bodies.