The Korean Center for Disease Control (CDC) ordered a recall of some toxic humidifier disinfectants as controversy erupted over their fatal health risks
following a series of deaths of pregnant women and babies in 2011.
In 2012, Oxy Reckitt Benckiser, a British sterilizer manufacturer, responded by commissioning a Seoul National University research team and a Hoseo University research team to probe into whether its humidifier disinfectants actually played a role in the deaths. The company did so to refute the CDC’s findings.
The Seoul Central District Public Prosecutor's Office found out that Oxy Reckitt Benckiser paid the Seoul National University ( research team about 250 million won for the experiment and separately sent tens of millions of won to a personal bank account belonging to the professor who was leading the research team.
Thus, prosecutors suspect that the money sent to the professor’s personal bank account could be a kickback paid in exchange for doctoring test results in favor of the company. It is said that prosecutors also have obtained a witness statement saying that the company asked the research team to deliberately lower the levels of toxin in its humidifier disinfectants.
Prosecutors summoned and questioned the professor. The professor reportedly admitted to having received tens of millions of won from Oxy Reckitt Benckiser.
