Detection of Prohibited Substances in 8 Non-Original Air Purifier Filter Products

Korea Consumer Agency, Ministry of Environment, and Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute Investigate 42 Types
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) Detected in Some Filters... Non-compliant

Biocidal substances, which are prohibited from use, have been detected in eight types of non-genuine compatible filters for air purifiers, prompting consumers to exercise caution. Biocidal substances are used to remove, neutralize, or inhibit harmful organisms.

The Korea Consumer Agency announced on the 22nd that, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute, it investigated the safety of 42 types of air purifier filters distributed in the market. The results showed that methylisothiazolinone (MIT), which is banned for use in filter-type preservation products, was detected in eight compatible filter products at levels ranging from a minimum of 1.9 mg/kg to a maximum of 10.71.9 mg/kg, deeming them non-compliant.

Korea Consumer Agency building.

Exposure to MIT is known to cause irritation to the respiratory system, skin, and eyes. The air purifier filters in which MIT was detected are products imported, manufactured, and sold by Mongollu, Sangsanggram, and CX Textile Korea, and are used as compatible filters for LG Electronics, Winix, and Xiaomi air purifiers.

When biocidal substances are applied to air purifier filters for antibacterial or sterilization purposes, the product is classified as a 'filter-type preservation product.' Businesses that manufacture or import these products must comply with safety standard conformity confirmation, reporting procedures, and safety standards.

The eight filters detected this time not only violated safety standards but also used substances for antibacterial and preservation purposes without confirming conformity to safety standards or reporting as 'filter-type preservation products.'

Since the end of last year until recently, the Ministry of Environment has imposed administrative measures such as manufacturing, import, and sales bans and recall orders on violating product businesses, and requested a self-investigation of the overall safety of filters handled in the air purifier filter industry.

The Korea Consumer Agency has recommended that businesses manufacturing and selling air purifier filters, through the Korea Air Purifier Association and the Korea Filter Industry Cooperative, comply with safety standard conformity confirmation and reporting procedures.

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