가습기살균제 사건이 남긴 상처, 법으로 치유할 수 있을까?

Can the Law Heal the Wounds Left by the Humidifier Disinfectant Disaster?

This article examines the legal challenges posed by the humidifier disinfectant disaster, focusing on issues related to proof in criminal trials, scientific uncertainty, and the evolving assessment of causation as scientific knowledge accumulates. It analyzes recent Supreme Court of Korea decisions, the implications of remand proceedings, and the significance of epidemiological research that increasingly supports causal links between CMIT/MIT exposure and various diseases. The paper further argues for re-evaluating statutes of limitations related to environmental crimes, given the inherent delays in scientific verification. Finally, it calls for integrated chemical safety legislation and improved institutional capacity to prevent similar tragedies and ensure effective legal governance.