Journal of Environmental Health Sciences (한국환경보건학회지)

Korean Society of Environmental Health (한국환경보건학회)
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Critical Reviews of Academic Research and Perspectives for Understanding the Humidifier Disinfectant Disaster

가습기살균제 참사에 관한 학술연구의 비판적 검토와 다양한 관점의 이해

  • Kim, Jiwon ;
  • Bahng, Yewon (Department of Environmental Health, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University) ;
  • Park, Moon Young (Department of Environmental Health, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University) ;
  • Zoh, Kyung Ehi (Department of Environmental Health, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University) ;
  • Choi, Yeyong (Special Investigation Commission on Humidifier Disinfectants & 4.16 Sewol Ferry Disasters)
  • 김지원 ;
  • 방예원 (서울대학교 보건대학원 환경보건학과) ;
  • 박문영 (서울대학교 보건대학원 환경보건학과) ;
  • 조경이 (서울대학교 보건대학원 환경보건학과) ;
  • 최예용 (가습기살균제사건과 4.16세월호참사 특별조사위원회)
  • Received : 2019.08.09
  • Accepted : 2019.08.16
  • Published : 2019.08.31
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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to help develop a comprehensive understanding of the humidifier disinfectant disaster from diverse perspectives based on a critical review of the relevant academic research papers published so far in the fields of both natural and social science. The authors reviewed pertinent articles in the six academic areas of law, social science, humanities, medicine, toxicology, and environmental health. A proper understanding of the issue of humidifier disinfectant is a challenging task because diverse aspects of it have become related over the more than two decades since such products were first released to the market in 1994. Technical and esoteric issues such as the complex system for relief and compensation for health damages and the approval of chemical toxicity are known to be major impediments to viewing the bigger picture regarding this tragedy. The authors believe that experts need to consider a comprehensive perspective going beyond their individual research arena to gain a better understanding of this issue, especially since it was an alarm signal on ethics and the role of experts and scholars in Korean society. Besides the two professors arrested by the prosecutor's office, it should be remembered that medical doctors recommended patients use humidifiers and disinfectants, and the media was inactive in reporting on this issue. Furthermore, the current paucity of examination of the social and political implications of this tragedy calls for more active engagement by researchers in the humanities and social sciences. In this regard, this paper is a work of self-examination and self-criticism by the authors that could resonate with the overall academic community.

Keywords

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