Sterilizer compounds found in dishwashing liquid

The Ministry of Health and Welfare made public Wednesday that substances contained in toxic humidifier sterilizers were permitted for use in dishwashing liquids.

The chemical compounds are chloromethylisothiazolinone (CMIT) and methylisothiazolinone (MIT). The ministry added that they do not cause problems to the human body after they are washed off with water.

According to current rules set by the ministry, CMIT and MIT are allowed in liquids that clean cooking utensils, including those for dishwashers and processing equipment.

The ministry is reviewing possible changes to its regulations amid public outcry surrounding the substances. It also announced plans to continue searching for more items that might contain CMIT and MIT.