South Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor announces names of 71 new chemical substances and their hazards and risks.

On March 28, 2024, the South Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) announced the names of 71 new chemical substances, their hazards and risks, annual production and import volumes, and measures to be taken under Article 108(3) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and Article 153 of the Enforcement Rules of the same Act.

Hazards and Risk Assessment

The hazards and risks associated with these 71 chemical substances are determined on the basis of toxicity data submitted by employers. Classification is based on the "Standards for Classification, Labeling, and Material Safety Data Sheets of Chemicals" (Ministry of Employment and Labor Notification No. 2023-9), using both domestic and foreign chemical information databases.

Continuous Risk Evaluation

New hazard/risk information may be identified through additional studies, such as toxicity tests.

Worker Protection Measures

The announcement provides basic measures that employers should take in case of short- and long-term exposure of workers handling new chemicals, even if specific hazards are not listed in the hazard and risk information section.