Toxic Disinfectant Found in Popular Humidifier Brand, Thousands Suffered And Died As The Results
More than 400 victims of a toxic disinfectant for humidifiers that was sold in South Korea have filed a lawsuit demanding $9 million in compensation from the manufacturer of the product, distributors and respective authorities. The plaintiffs in this suit comprise a formidable 235 individuals with evidence that they have been adversely affected by exposure to Oxy's product, a regional subsidiary of multinational conglomerate Reckitt Benckiser.
“Without any grounds, the manufacturers and sellers of the humidifier disinfectants indicated on the labels of their products that the ingredients were safe,”
It has been reported that more people were affected by the popular product - a humidifier intended for families with children living in South Koreas climate. The item was removed from shelves after its association with lung damage was revealed in 2011 by South Koreas Center for Disease Control. The alleged negligence resulting in the tragic deaths of innumerable South Koreans has led to questions about the effects of one of the country's most-preferred humidifier product. Prosecutors recently indicted four executives at Oxy Industries, alleging they had failed to conduct necessary toxicity tests before launching their product in 2001; an action that resulted directly or indirectly in potentially fatal consequences for many users of humidifiers.
The lawsuit demands compensation totaling $45,000 per person in fatalities and smaller sums for those who have been impacted by the ongoing effects of 22 companies that were involved in manufacturing and marketing the disinfectant.
Reckitt Benckiser, a multinational corporation that manufactures products such as Strepsils throat lozenges, Durex condoms and French's mustard announced earlier this month the creation of a compensation fund for South Korean victims of its ubiquitous product. The company recognized its responsibilities in these health issues - including fatalities - and has since made improvements to ensure safety procedures remain adequate.
Source: TIME