Humidifier disinfectant damage relief shifts to compensation under joint state–company liability — Special Act Enforcement Decree takes effect October 8, 2026
Source material is a Korean government announcement (in Korean).
From October 8, 2026, humidifier disinfectant damage relief shifts to a compensation system in which the state and companies share responsibility. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment said on September 22, 2026 that a full amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Special Act on Remedy and Support for Humidifier Disinfectant Damage was approved at a Cabinet meeting. The decree sets out how the Humidifier Disinfectant Compensation Review Committee (가습기살균제 배상 심의위원회), under the Prime Minister, will operate, along with procedures for applying for, deciding and paying compensation and the criteria for decisions. Compensation is decided item by item — medical expenses, nursing care costs, lost-work compensation, disability and bereaved-family compensation, funeral expenses and consolation money — and detailed criteria are announced by the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment after a resolution of the compensation review committee. Victims who still need treatment after a compensation payment decision can receive medical and nursing care costs as continued medical expenses (계속치료비). Support for victims, such as designated admission to middle and high schools and university tuition support, has also been specified. The ministry is developing a system for applying for and receiving compensation claims in time for the October 8 start.
Key facts
| Announced | September 22, 2026, Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (approved at a Cabinet meeting) |
|---|---|
| Effective | October 8, 2026 |
| Key change | Administrative relief centered on corporate liability → compensation system with joint state–company liability |
| Compensation items | Medical expenses, nursing care costs, lost-work compensation, disability and bereaved-family compensation, funeral expenses, consolation money |
| Continued medical expenses | Medical and nursing care costs paid to victims who still need treatment after a payment decision |
| Detailed compensation criteria | Announced by the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment after a resolution of the compensation review committee |
| Support for victims | Designated admission to middle and high schools, university tuition support, etc. |
| Inquiries | Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, Environmental Damage Relief Division (환경피해구제과) 044-201-6813 |
Last checked:
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (기후에너지환경부) said on September 22, 2026 that a full amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Special Act on Remedy and Support for Humidifier Disinfectant Damage (가습기살균제 피해구제 및 지원을 위한 특별법 시행령) was approved at a Cabinet meeting and takes effect on October 8. Damage relief shifts from administrative relief centered on corporate liability to a compensation system in which the state and companies share responsibility. Compensation is decided item by item, including medical expenses, nursing care costs, lost-work compensation, disability and bereaved-family compensation, funeral expenses and consolation money, and continued medical expenses can be paid to victims who still need treatment after a payment decision.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
FAQ
What is changing?
Humidifier disinfectant damage relief shifts from administrative relief centered on corporate liability to a compensation system in which the state and companies share responsibility. The amended enforcement decree takes effect on October 8, 2026.
What items are compensated?
Compensation is decided item by item, including medical expenses, nursing care costs, lost-work compensation, disability and bereaved-family compensation, funeral expenses and consolation money. Detailed criteria are announced by the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment after a resolution of the compensation review committee.
What if treatment is still needed after the compensation decision?
Criteria and procedures have been set so that victims who still need treatment after a compensation payment decision can receive medical and nursing care costs as continued medical expenses.