16 Additional Victims Recognized for Humidifier Disinfectant Damage... Total 2,988 People

Ministry of Environment Holds 22nd Relief Fund Management Committee Meeting
2,255 Special Relief Fund Recipients... 983 Supported for Relief Benefits

On the 31st of last month, marking 9 years since the government officially recognized the damage caused by humidifier disinfectants, the Citizens' Center for Environmental Health and families of the victims held a press conference at Gwanghwamun Square. (Image source=Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Sixteen additional individuals have been recognized as victims of humidifier disinfectant damage. The total number of victims receiving support under the 'Special Act on Relief for Humidifier Disinfectant Damage' has reached 2,988.

The Ministry of Environment and the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute announced on the 18th that they held the '22nd Relief Fund Management Committee' meeting and selected additional recipients for substantial relief benefits and emergency medical support.

They also reviewed and resolved agenda items such as adjustment payments for relief benefits and victim grade assessments.

At this meeting, eight individuals with stage 3 lung disease, two with pneumonia, and two with interstitial lung disease were selected as recipients of substantial relief benefits.

Among them, ten had already been recognized for other diseases, while two were newly acknowledged.

The support amount is at the same level as the relief benefits paid to government relief recipients.

The committee also approved emergency medical support for nine individuals urgently requiring medical and financial assistance.

These individuals will receive medical benefits corresponding to the medical expenses they have borne.

The committee plans to provide benefits equivalent to relief payments to five victims recognized by the Humidifier Disinfectant Damage Relief Committee as having unknown causes or no financial capacity (economic inability).

Additionally, the committee resolved to pay funeral expenses and adjustment payments for relief benefits to ten previously recognized victims who died due to health damage from humidifier disinfectants.

For child and adult victims recognized with interstitial lung disease, the victim grades were reviewed and assessed, and 178 individuals were provided with nursing living allowances.

Including the sixteen newly approved recipients at this meeting, the total number of special relief fund recipients, excluding duplicates, is 2,255.

Including the 983 individuals receiving relief benefits, the total number of victims receiving support under the 'Special Act on Relief for Humidifier Disinfectant Damage,' excluding duplicates, has increased to 2,988.

For detailed information on the application process and required documents for humidifier disinfectant damage claims, please contact the 'Humidifier Disinfectant Damage Comprehensive Support Center' consultation office or visit the 'Humidifier Disinfectant Damage Support' website.