Labor ministry flags 22 new chemicals for acute toxicity, skin and eye risks

The labor ministry said Wednesday it published the names, hazards and required workplace measures for 63 new chemicals manufactured or imported in South Korea in the third quarter, and notified their manufacturers and importers to supply personal protective equipment and install local exhaust ventilation.

Hazard assessments confirmed acute toxicity, skin sensitization and serious eye damage among 22 of the substances, including 4-Hydroxycinnamic acid and 2-hydroxy-3,5-diiodobenzoic acid, the Ministry of Employment and Labor said.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, anyone intending to manufacture or import a new chemical must file a hazard and risk investigation report with the labor ministry at least 30 days before the planned date.

"Raising awareness of hazard and risk information for new chemical substances and taking preemptive safety and health measures are essential to protecting workers' health," said Oh Young-min, director-general of the ministry's safety and health supervision bureau. He urged employers to comply with prevention measures such as installing ventilation facilities and issuing protective equipment, and asked workers to follow basic rules including wearing that equipment.