Cannot Sue Carmakers and Government for Pollution and Resulting Asthma: S.Korea Court

Respiratory diseases allegedly cause by air pollution cannot be traced back to the South Koreaan government and the country's five main automakers, a court ruled here on Wednesday.

A group of 23 patients suffering from asthma or other respiratory diseases brought the rare lawsuit in February 2007, claiming 30 million won (26,000 dollars) in damages for each plaintiff.

Asthma - Factors, Common Allergens, Diagnosis, Treatment, Support Groups, FAQs
It's a lung condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchi and constriction of the airways that result in coughing, wheezing or breathlessness. Allergy and other airway irritants can trigger it

They claimed the government's lack of anti-pollution measures and automakers' negligence worsened air pollution and caused their illness.

"Given conflicting evidence well presented by the defendants, it cannot be ruled out that other causes (than auto exhaust gases) are involved," the Seoul Central District Court said in a statement.

The automakers, including Hyundai, Kia, GM Daewoo, Ssangyong and Renault Samsung, argued that there was no direct relationship between the patients' diseases and air pollution.

Following the court ruling, they said in a statement that Seoul's air pollution had worsened little despite the huge growth in the number of cars in the street in recent decades.

The plaintiffs cited a 2002 Japanese appeals court ruling, which ruled in favour of seven asthma patients seeking damages from automakers and the government.

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Metered Dose Inhalers(MDI), which delivers medictions directly to the lungs, can be most effectively used in the treatment of asthma.

Source-AFP
TAN

Quiz on Asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways become narrow and swollen and may produce extra mucus. This can lead to breathing difficulties and trigger coughing...