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Science

Silent Murder:
Harmful Chemical Substances

Su-min Oh

The interest in identifying harmful chemical substance is growing as toxic substances such as PHMG
and PGH were detected in humidifier sterilizers1), leading to the death of mothers and children. We need to
know about and look out for these substance in order to prevent such incidents from happening again.

Then, what is a chemical substance harmful for? It is harmful if it negatively affects human health or
the environment. So it is managed according to the standards set by the law. Some of these substances
can be so highly toxic that they have a fatal effect on health. We can find various harmful chemicals in
everyday products. For example, there are parabens2) in some shampoos, conditioners, and toothpastes
and formaldehydes3) are used to make some bedding and furniture.

Moreover, according to working environment measurement standards disclosed by the Ministry of
Employment and Labor, the number of work places that exceed the chemical regulation standards are
increasing every year. As a result, occupational4) cancer, which is considered to be caused by these
chemicals, continues to increase. Also, chemicals that can cause respiratory5) and skin irritation have
recently been detected in interior paints for home use. These paints contain volatile6) organic compounds
(VOC), but use phrases such as non-toxic, harmless to humans, and Zero VOCs. Of the 20 products tested,
only one product imported from Europe was marked with a caution statement.

Despite the fact that many companies make products that contain toxic substances, they are not
following the labelling requirements, making it difficult for us to even recognize if we are being exposed to
harmful chemicals. However, as these harmful chemicals can cause chronic diseases and may lead to death,
measures should be taken such as strengthening the management of harmful chemicals, increasing safety
education, and establishing labeling standards for harmful chemicals.

_______________________________________
1) humidifier sterilizer : 가습기 살균제
2) parabens : 파라벤(화장품이나 의약품의 방부제로 주로 사용)
3) formaldehydes : 포름알데히드(실온에서 자극성이 강한 냄새를 띤 무색의 기체)
4) occupational : 직업성
5) respiratory : 호흡기
6) volatile : 휘발성

22 MYEONG-SHIN GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL