가습기 살균제 피해자 배상 신청, 10월8일부터 6개월간 받는다

Starting October 8th, a national and corporate compensation process for those harmed by humidifier disinfectant sprays will begin. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced this during a meeting at the Seoul Donggu District Chamber of Commerce on October 31st. The gathering included Climate Ministry Director General Kim Sung-hwan and over 100 affected individuals.

The Environment Agency for Victim Compensation explained that the new "Special Act for Victim Compensation for Humidifier Disinfectant Spray Damage" will take effect from October 8th. This marks the first time a joint compensation system between the government and corporations will be implemented. In contrast to the previous "charity-based victim compensation" approach, the government will share responsibility and cover a portion of the treatment costs.

From October 8th to six months later, affected individuals can file for compensation. To handle these claims, the government will establish a compensation assistance unit and a compensation review committee that will assess the standards and calculation methods for compensation. The committee will also make individual compensation decisions.

The government and corporations are expected to bear a 3-to-7 ratio of the compensation burden. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment has requested an annual budget of 2027 billion won for this compensation. Over 8,094 people have filed for government assistance for humidifier spray damage, of which 6,037 have been recognized as victims.

The government will consider additional compensation applications beyond those already approved. The victims' association has stated that even if not officially recognized, compensation applications will be accepted. According to the 2022 "Adjustment Committee for Victims of Humidifier Disinfectant Spray Damage," the maximum potential compensation amount is 9,420 billion won.

Therefore, the actual total compensation is expected to exceed 1 trillion won. In June 2022, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the government regarding liability for humidifier spray damage, leading to ongoing negotiations between the government and affected corporations and individuals. This agreement resulted in the comprehensive plan for compensating humidifier spray victims, announced in December 2025.

The humidifier spray disaster refers to the 1994 event where humidifier disinfectants caused lung damage. Reports of such incidents began in 2006, with a 2011 investigation confirming a causal relationship between humidifier disinfectants and lung damage. The Korea Environment Health Citizens' Center reported that 9,950,000 units of humidifier disinfectants were sold, with approximately 8,940,000 users experiencing health issues. Around 14,422 people have died as a result of the damage.