Victims of the Humidifier Disinfectant Disaster Say "SCPHR Does Not Maintain Political Neutrality"

On the morning of the 2nd at 9 a.m., the Humidifier Disinfectant Disaster Emergency Response Committee 'Big Teams' held a press conference behind the SK Seorin Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Photo by Gong Byung-sun mydillon@

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] Victims of the humidifier disinfectant disaster have criticized the Social Disaster Special Investigation Committee (SDSIC), which is about to submit the "Comprehensive Report Recommendations on the Humidifier Disinfectant Disaster," for failing to maintain political neutrality.

At around 9 a.m. on the 2nd, the Humidifier Disinfectant Disaster Emergency Countermeasures Committee "Big Teams" held a press conference behind the SK Seorin Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to announce this.

Chae Kyung-sun, Secretary General of Big Teams, said, "While many supports were provided to the victims of the Sewol ferry disaster, the benefits given to children affected by the humidifier disinfectant disaster can be considered nonexistent," adding, "How should we guarantee the future of these children?"

Jo Soon-mi, Chairperson of the Big Teams Struggle Headquarters, also expressed disappointment with the activities of the SDSIC. She said, "The level of investigation regarding fact-finding is extremely insufficient," and added, "It is heartbreaking to think that this is all that the government-established institution can do for the victims, or that someone made it so that they could do no more."

They also criticized the previous government and the Ministry of Environment for failing to fulfill their roles. Kim Tae-yoon, co-representative of the third phase victims and bereaved families of the humidifier disinfectant disaster, said, "At the end of 2020, Assemblywoman Han Jeong-ae, who was the policy committee chairperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, amended the Act on the Investigation of Social Disasters by deleting the humidifier disinfectant investigation, and immediately upon becoming Minister of Environment, removed even the investigative function from the Special Investigation Committee's enforcement decree," adding, "The government is taking a passive and irresponsible attitude."

The humidifier disinfectant disaster came to light in 2011 when the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated humidifier disinfectants as an unknown cause of lung injury risk factors. According to Big Teams, as of the 31st of last month, the total number of reported victims is 7,737, with 1,779 deaths.

Meanwhile, Big Teams' tent protest in front of the SK Seorin Building marked its 69th day on this day. Big Teams stated that the tent installation period permitted by Jongno District Office ended on the 30th of last month, putting them at risk of forced removal. Chairperson Jo said, "I heard from officials that it could cause inconvenience to many citizens and is unsightly," adding, "However, considering the social significance, nature, and public sentiment regarding the humidifier disinfectant disaster, I believe such expressions are inappropriate."

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