Kim MH, Kim H, Paek D. The health impacts of semiconductor production: an epidemiologic review.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2013;
20:95-114. [PMID:
24999845 DOI:
10.1179/2049396713y.0000000050]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Despite concerns over the harmful health effects of semiconductor production, epidemiological studies have shown mixed results.
OBJECTIVES
We aim to critically appraise epidemiologic studies to date, and to suggest future research and actions to protect workers in semiconductor industry.
METHODS
Epidemiologic studies were identified through electronic database searches, review of reference lists of relevant published works, and expert consultations, and were narratively reviewed.
RESULTS
Most evidence suggests reproductive risks from fabrication jobs, including spontaneous abortion (SAB), congenital malformation, and reduced fertility. Although chemicals have been suspected as causal agents, knowledge of the likely contribution(s) from specific exposures is still limited. Evidence of cancer risk seems to be equivocal. However, the available studies had serious limitations including healthy worker effects (HWEs), information bias, and insufficient power, all of which are associated with underestimation. Nevertheless, excess risks for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), leukemia, brain tumor, and breast cancer were observed.
CONCLUSIONS
Monitoring and innovative research based on international collaboration with a focus on sentinel events are required.
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