Ministry of Environment: "Necklaces for COVID-19 Prevention Have Inhalation Toxicity"… Sales and Distribution Prohibited

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The Ministry of Environment announced on the 10th that it has been implementing immediate distribution suspension measures since last week due to cases of distribution of 'COVID-19 prevention necklaces,' and emphasized that consumers need to exercise special caution regarding these products.

Recently, cases of necklaces that generate chlorine dioxide have appeared, exploiting anxiety caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). In response, the Ministry of Environment has requested each distributor to prohibit the sale and distribution to prevent illegal products from circulating in the market.

Although these products are not subject to management under the "Act on the Safety Control of Household Chemical Products and Biocides," there is a high risk of inhalation due to direct contact with the human body.

Chlorine dioxide is a substance that can be used as a general disinfectant but is irritating to mucous membranes and airways and has inhalation toxicity. It should only be used for sterilization, antibacterial, and disinfection purposes on objects such as furniture and door handles in homes and offices, and cannot be used in the form of necklaces that come into direct contact with the human body.

The Ministry of Environment is strengthening monitoring of companies that advertise or label products as COVID-19 prevention without approval or notification under the "Chemical Products Safety Act," selling disinfectants, sterilizers, deodorants, or manufacturing, importing, and selling products as if they are effective against COVID-19.

As a result, distribution suspension measures have been taken for 104 suspected non-compliant products from mid-last month to recently.

An official from the Ministry of Environment stated, "We believe that the sale of non-compliant products by companies exploiting anxiety due to the spread of COVID-19 has increased, and consumers need to exercise special caution."

Legitimate products can be verified through 'Choroknuri,' the Ministry of Environment's living environment safety information system, and users must be sure to understand the purpose, usage method, and precautions when using the products.

The Ministry of Environment urged that if any non-compliant products suspected of being illegal due to lack of approval, lack of notification, or use beyond intended purposes are found among household chemical products in distribution, they should be reported immediately to the "Household Chemical Products Safety Center" (1800-0490).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.