The Korean asbestos contamination crisis continues, and the Korean health authority has released a list of 1,122 medical products from 120 companies that contain asbestos-tainted talc. The Korean government has recalled all of these products, with the exception of 11 products for which there are no "suitable substitutes".

The Prime Minister's Office has forbidden the importation of talc containing asbestos, and plans to develop comprehensive restrictive measures and standards for the carcinogenic substance by the end of June.

These actions come after a week of media frenzy regarding the contaminated baby powder, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals found to contain deadly asbestos.

Inhalation of asbestos is the major cause of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer.

Some widely recognized drugs that will be banned from sale include the Dongkook Company product Insadol, an auxiliary treatment for some gum diseases; Dream Pharma's Actice, a stool softener; and Ilyang's Azintal Forte, a digestive agent.

"Consultations with a range of experts have revealed that a minimal amount of asbestos in drugs for internal use carry only a small risk to health. But we have decided to ban their sales based on judgment that even the slightest amount should not be overlooked," said Yun Yeu-pyo, head of the administration under the Health Ministry.

The 11 products without a proper replacement will be allowed to stay on store shelves for the next 30 days, until proper replacements can be located. These pharmaceuticals include treatments for hyperpiesia, allergies and respiratory ailments for children.

The government will continue to investigate other products that may have been contaminated, and will examine all cargo under suspicion. In addition, the Korean government will also inspect imported cosmetics and drugs, and no goods containing asbestos will be allowed into the country.

The government will also examine consumer products made of rubber and paper that use talc.