South Korea investigates chelation injections used to mask lead exposure

Investigations have revealed that chelation injections, intended for severe heavy metal poisoning, were widely distributed to local clinics in South Korea. Data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service shows that between January 2023 and August 2026, approximately 531,230 injections were supplied nationwide, with 73.3% of the volume and 73.4% of the total value concentrated in local clinics.

These injections, containing disodium calcium edetate, are designed to flush heavy metals like lead from the body. However, they can cause serious side effects, including kidney damage, electrolyte imbalances, and cardiovascular issues, by removing essential minerals. While the WHO recommends them only for severe poisoning, they have reportedly been marketed in local clinics as nutritional injections for fatigue or waste removal.

A major controversy involves the DN Automotive plant in Ulsan, where approximately 200 workers alleged they were forced to take these injections under the guise of vitamin shots to hide high blood lead levels before health examinations. Affected workers reported symptoms such as high blood pressure, vision issues, facial paralysis, and kidney disease.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor has identified 68 violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act at the Ulsan plant, issued fines, and ordered the suspension of processes with excessive lead levels. Authorities have referred the company and involved medical institutions to the police for obstructing health examinations. The government plans to expand investigations to 14 other battery manufacturers and improve regulations to prevent the manipulation of blood lead levels.