[2020 National Audit] 1 in 10 Hand Sanitizers Contains Toxic Ingredients Found in Humidifier Disinfectants

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] It has been revealed that 1 out of 10 hand sanitizers approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety contains benzalkonium chloride, one of the ingredients found in humidifier disinfectants. The government stated during the humidifier disinfectant fact-finding hearing in July last year that continuous inhalation of benzalkonium chloride can adversely affect the respiratory system.

On the 13th, Choi Jong-yoon, a member of the National Assembly’s Health and Welfare Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, analyzed data submitted by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and found that out of approximately 1,200 hand sanitizers approved by the ministry, 123 products contained benzalkonium chloride. Hand sanitizers are quasi-drugs that require approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

Benzalkonium chloride is an ingredient used in disinfectants, preservatives, and cleaning agents. According to the Toxicity Information Provision System of the National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, benzalkonium chloride can cause skin irritation and hypersensitivity. Its acute toxicity has actually caused reactions such as erythema and necrosis in animals.

Among the problematic products, some are spray-type. Mist and spray-type hand sanitizers can be more dangerous as toxic substances can directly enter the respiratory tract.

In particular, with the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) making hand sanitizer use a daily routine, there are calls for a risk assessment of repeated use.

Rep. Choi said, "Humidifier disinfectants are industrial products, so only general safety standards were applied, which failed to prevent harm, but hand sanitizers are quasi-drugs subject to approval and reporting management by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety," and pointed out, "The ministry has not separately established standards for spray-type disinfectants containing benzalkonium chloride."

He added, "It is necessary to create detailed standards and strengthen management measures according to usage methods for toxic substances used in daily necessities."

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