Gwangju City Expands Compensation for Asbestos Exposure Victims and Their Families Including Medical Expenses

Gwangju Metropolitan City (Mayor Kang Gi-jung) announced on the 19th that it will expand asbestos damage relief benefits.

This is to support citizens who suffered damage due to living near asbestos factories in the past or environmental asbestos exposure but did not receive proper compensation and support.

As a result of efforts by the Ministry of Environment and Gwangju City to assist asbestos victims, the number of relief recipients increased from 10 in 2021 to 49 as of August 2023.

Asbestos is a Group 1 carcinogen that causes fatal diseases to the human body such as malignant mesothelioma, primary lung cancer, asbestosis, and pulmonary function impairment after a long latency period of 8 to 40 years, requiring continuous follow-up observation.

Exposure sources by asbestos type include environmental exposure and occupational exposure. Environmental exposure includes living near asbestos exposure sources, exposure from work done at home, and exposure due to cohabitation or family members who handle asbestos. Occupational exposure includes asbestos mines, production of asbestos-containing products, and use of asbestos-containing products.

Since 2011, the Asbestos Damage Relief Act has been enforced to provide relief benefits to those suffering from unexpected asbestos damage and their bereaved families.

The relief targets are people who have suffered health damage from asbestos-related diseases due to environmental asbestos exposure and the bereaved families of deceased persons, with differential payments depending on the type of recognized disease. However, duplicate payments are restricted under the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act, Public Officials’ Accident Compensation Act, and others.

Gwangju City plans to expand the budget and expedite payments so that relief benefits can be promptly provided to those suffering health damage or bereaved families due to asbestos.

Applications for asbestos damage relief benefits can be submitted to the district office after filling out the asbestos damage recognition application form. The Asbestos Damage Judgment Committee will review, decide, and determine the damage grade within 60 days, and once notified to the victims and bereaved families, compensation can be received.

Na Byung-chun, Director of the Environmental Conservation Division, said, “We will do our best to ensure that compensation is made promptly to provide some comfort to victims and bereaved families suffering from asbestos, which threatens citizens’ health.”

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