Most Popular
-
1
[Exclusive] Korean military set to ban iPhones over 'security' concerns
![[Exclusive] Korean military set to ban iPhones over 'security' concerns](//res.heraldm.com/phpwas/restmb_idxmake.php?idx=644&simg=/content/image/2024/04/23/20240423050599_0.jpg&u=20240423183955)
-
2
Korean, Romanian leaders discuss defense tech, nuclear energy
-
3
S. Korea calls on Japan to confront history amid Yasukuni Shrine visit
-
4
Yoon’s jailed mother-in-law excluded from latest parole list
-
5
Hybe and Min Hee-jin, CEO of Hybe sublabel Ador, lock horns
![[Exclusive] Korean military set to ban iPhones over 'security' concerns](http://res.heraldm.com/phpwas/restmb_idxmake.php?idx=644&simg=/content/image/2024/04/23/20240423050599_0.jpg&u=20240423183955)
-
6
[Herald Interview] 'Amid aging population, Korea to invite more young professionals from overseas'
![[Herald Interview] 'Amid aging population, Korea to invite more young professionals from overseas'](//res.heraldm.com/phpwas/restmb_idxmake.php?idx=644&simg=/content/image/2024/04/24/20240424050844_0.jpg&u=20240424200058)
-
7
[Pressure points] Leggings in public: Fashion statement or social faux pas?
![[Pressure points] Leggings in public: Fashion statement or social faux pas?](//res.heraldm.com/phpwas/restmb_idxmake.php?idx=644&simg=/content/image/2024/04/23/20240423050669_0.jpg&u=)
-
8
Korea’s homegrown nanosatellite successfully launches into space
-
9
Nicaragua shuts down Seoul embassy
-
10
Rocket engine expert, ex-NASA exec to lead Korea's new space agency
![[Herald Interview] 'Amid aging population, Korea to invite more young professionals from overseas'](http://res.heraldm.com/phpwas/restmb_idxmake.php?idx=644&simg=/content/image/2024/04/24/20240424050844_0.jpg&u=20240424200058)
![[Pressure points] Leggings in public: Fashion statement or social faux pas?](http://res.heraldm.com/phpwas/restmb_idxmake.php?idx=644&simg=/content/image/2024/04/23/20240423050669_0.jpg&u=)
Court fines 19 firms in toxic humidifier disinfectant scandal
By YonhapPublished : July 14, 2017 - 17:29
A Seoul court on Friday fined nearly 20 local firms for illegally distributing toxic chemicals used to manufacture humidifier sterilizers that led to scores of deaths and injuries.
The Seoul Eastern District Court slapped 19 firms, inclduing SK Chemicals Co., with fines of up to 30 million won (US$26,450) for distributing polyhexamethylene guanidine, a toxic substance also known as PHMG. The government has restricted its use for some household products since 2012.
The court also meted out suspended jail terms or fines to dozens of officials at the firms for selling the substance without state permission or registration.
"The guilt is heavy for making it difficult for the state to control the toxic substance," Kim Jin-hwan, the judge, said in his ruling, referring to an SK Chemicals official accused of distributing PHMG.
The humidifier disinfectant scandal, one of the worst scandals, involving chemical consumer products, came to light after four pregnant women died of lung problems in 2011. A government-led probe later confirmed a correlation between the victims' health problems and the chemicals used to clean household humidifiers. (Yonhap)
