National officials have blamed the deaths of about 100 babies and pregnant women on Oxy-brand humidifier disinfectants. Subsequently, chemophobia is affecting the sales of household commodities. Sales of synthesized chemical products are dropping as shoppers opt for more natural products to replace them. Mike Balfour reports.
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Chemophobia sets in after deaths of babies and pregnant women

The Korean government confirmed that the deaths of at least 100 babies and pregnant women resulted from the use of humidifier disinfectants produced by Reckitt Benckiser's Oxy.

The public is expressing anger over the toxic humidifier disinfectant and belated apology by the manufacturer.

Sales of chemical products have sharply decreased across Jejudo and the nation.

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Bleach sales drop 40%

Supermarket sales of bleaches have dropped over 40 percent compared with one year before.

Sales of fabric softeners are down 25 percent and deodorizers and air fresheners dropped over 10 percent.

INTERVIEW
Yi Tae-gyeong / Supermarket manager
Shoppers are reluctant to choose Oxy products. And sales of detergents have fallen 15 to 20 percent.
<인터뷰 : 이태경/0마트 생활용품 매니저>
"해당 업체의 상품들에 대해서 구매를 꺼려하시고 이에 따라 세제의 전체적인 매출도 15~20% 정도 감소한 상황입니다."

Meanwhile, sales of natural detergents such as baking soda and citric acid are picking up. They increased 200 to 300 percent.

Consumers want to choose harmless products, instead of chemicals that could affect the respiratory system.

INTERVIEW
Consumer
I don’t want synthesized chemical products. Instead, I choose natural products.
<인터뷰 : 소비자>
"안 사게 돼요. 손이 잘 안가고, 화학물질이 없는 제품으로 대체를 하게 되죠."

Consumers are especially seeking substitutes for air freshener sprays that could directly affect lungs.

INTERVIEW
Oh Seon-ok / Florist
Consumers’ lack of trust in chemical sprays has many turning to mosquito-repellent plants.
<인터뷰 : 오선옥/00꽃집>
"(뿌리는 제품들은 아무래도) 조금 찝찝하다고 생각하시고 (모기퇴치 등을 위해) 자연의 향기가 나는 식물들을 많이 이용하세요."

[camera]
Park Byeong-joon

[reporter]
Mike Balfour

As the chemophobia is spreading across the nation, the consumption pattern of household commodities is changing.

Mike Balfour KCTV