“Migrant Worker’s Exposure to Formalin at Fish Farm Recognized as Industrial Disaster,” 23 May 2023

The case of a migrant worker who developed leukemia after spraying formalin at a fish farm has been recognized as an industrial disaster.

The Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service acknowledged the case of Khan Mubasherullah, a migrant worker from Pakistan, as an industrial disaster last month.

Formaldehyde, the main component of formalin, a compound used by Mr. Mubasherullah in managing the fish farm, is a known carcinogen.

Having moved to South Korea 13 years ago, Mr. Mubasherullah worked at a formalin-utilizing fish farm for 16 months.

During his employment, he worked in an enclosed fish farm facility without proper ventilation, regularly applying formalin without any protective equipment.

Formalin is employed to eliminate parasites that attach themselves to fish, such as halibut and eels.

In January 2021, Mr. Mubasherullah was diagnosed with leukemia and subsequently filed an industrial disaster claim with the state organization, attributing his condition to formalin exposure.