The compensation system for victims of humidifier disinfectants will shift to a joint liability framework involving both the government and businesses. This new system will cover not only medical and caregiving expenses but also compensation for lost wages, disabilities, bereavement, and emotional distress. Additionally, ongoing treatment costs will be provided for victims who require further medical care after compensation decisions are made.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced on September 22 that the revised enforcement decree of the 'Special Law for the Relief and Support of Humidifier Disinfectant Victims' was approved at a Cabinet meeting and will take effect on October 8.
This revision follows the amendment of the special law in April, which aimed to transition from a system focused on business liability to one where both the government and businesses share responsibility for compensation.
The revised enforcement decree details the operational framework of the Humidifier Disinfectant Compensation Review Committee, including the procedures for applying for, deciding on, and disbursing compensation. The committee will also have specialized subcommittees for support and investigation.
Compensation will be provided for damages resulting from health issues caused by humidifier disinfectants, covering medical and caregiving expenses, lost wages, disability and bereavement compensation, funeral costs, and emotional distress. Specific compensation standards will be announced by the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment following committee approval.
Even after compensation decisions, victims requiring ongoing treatment will receive continued medical and caregiving expenses, referred to as 'continuing treatment costs.' The Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute and the National Institute of Environmental Research will be designated as management centers for victims, and provisions for educational support and college tuition assistance will also be established.
Funding for compensation will come from government contributions and business contributions. The enforcement decree outlines the criteria for calculating business contributions, separate contributions from raw material suppliers, and the procedures for implementing and collecting compensation agreements.
The government is currently establishing a system for accepting compensation applications in line with the revised law's implementation on October 8. The Compensation Preparation Support Team, under the Office for Government Policy Coordination, is also preparing the structure for the review committee and support system.
However, specific criteria for determining compensation amounts have not yet been finalized. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment plans to develop compensation standards based on research initiated in July regarding the 'Compensation Support System' and feedback from victims, which will be made public after review and approval by the committee following the law's implementation. Subsequent procedures for estimating compensation resources and collecting business contributions will also be carried out.
Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Kim Seong-hwan stated, "This revision of the enforcement decree has solidified the institutional foundation for a compensation system where both the government and businesses share responsibility for humidifier disinfectant victims. We will ensure that victims do not face inconveniences during the application and review process, and that the compensation procedures proceed smoothly."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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