In the third quarter of this year, 22 out of 63 newly manufactured or imported chemical substances were found to have hazardous properties, including acute toxicity, skin sensitization, and severe eye damage.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on September 30 that it has disclosed the names and hazardous properties of the 63 new chemical substances manufactured or imported in the third quarter, along with measures to prevent health hazards for workers.
Among these, substances such as 4-hydroxycinnamic acid and 2-hydroxy-3,5-diiodobenzoic acid were included in the 22 identified as having acute toxicity, skin sensitization, and severe eye damage.
According to the Industrial Safety and Health Act, businesses intending to manufacture or import new chemical substances must submit a hazard and risk investigation report to the Ministry of Labor at least 30 days prior to manufacturing or importing. If the amount is less than 1 ton, the deadline is 14 days before. If a new chemical substance is registered with the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment, the submission of the investigation report is considered fulfilled, and the relevant registration data is forwarded to the Ministry of Labor.
The Ministry of Labor and the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency review the submitted toxicity data and manufacturing and handling methods to assess hazards and risks. If necessary, they notify employers to implement measures such as wearing respiratory protective equipment, gloves, and goggles, and installing local exhaust ventilation systems. Local authorities monitor compliance.
In the previous second quarter, 43 out of 74 new chemical substances were found to have hazardous properties. The number of substances disclosed in the third quarter decreased by 11, and the number of substances identified as hazardous decreased by 21.
Oh Young-min, Director of the Safety and Health Supervision Bureau at the Ministry of Labor, stated, "Awareness of the hazard and risk information of new chemical substances and proactive safety measures are essential for protecting worker health. Employers must comply with preventive measures such as installing ventilation systems and providing protective equipment, and workers should strictly adhere to basic safety rules, including wearing protective gear."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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