[The Hwankyung Ilbo] An amendment to the Special Act on Remedy for Damage Caused by Humidifier Disinfectants, proposed by Representative Lee Jung-mi of the Justice Party, was approved by the Environment & Labor Committee of the National Assembly on December 12.

The main contents of the legislation include comprehensive definition of health damage caused by humidifier sterilizers, additional national responsibility as relief and support measures, establishment of re-examination expert committee, extension of special period on statute of limitations (5 to 10 years) and budget support for the memorial project.

On the other hand, the bill failed to include the compensation money and the establishment of a mid- to long-term medical support system, which the victims had demanded as a practical compensation for the damage.

Two years have passed since President Moon Jae-in affirmed the government's responsibility for the humidifier problem and apologized to the victim in August 2017, but the judgment criteria for judging the victims are still too strict.

“It is regrettable that the focus of the victims' demands is not fully reflected, but we will make sure to pass the revision of the Special Act on Remedy for Damage Caused by Humidifier Disinfectants."

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