[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is investigating a case in which victims who used baby bathtubs containing a large amount of environmental hormones have sued the manufacturer and distributor of the bathtubs.
According to the police on the 4th, the Anti-Corruption and Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency received the case from the Dongjak Police Station. The case involves 1,000 infant victims and 3,000 joint guardians who filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer Daehyun Chemical Industry and the intermediary distributor Gihyeon Industry for violating the Special Act on Safety of Children's Products related to the "environmental hormone baby bathtub."
In December of last year, the National Institute of Technology and Standards under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that the baby bathtub "Cosma," manufactured by Daehyun Chemical Industry, was found to contain phthalate-based plasticizers, which are environmental hormones, exceeding the safety standard by 612.5 times. Phthalate-based plasticizers are harmful chemicals that can cause liver damage and reduced reproductive function. Last month, the police conducted a search and seizure at Daehyun Chemical Industry and Gihyeon Industry and are currently analyzing the secured materials.
The product was reportedly sold at Daiso under the product name "Water-draining Baby Bathtub" for 5,000 won.
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