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Lee JH, Gatera VA, Smith T, Panimbang F, Gonzalez A, Abdulah R, Bonham C, Bryant AK, Liu S. Biomonitoring of Exposures to Solvents and Metals in Electronics Manufacturing Facilities in Batam, Indonesia. New Solut 2024; 33:220-235. [PMID: 38112404 DOI: 10.1177/10482911231218478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Concerns about chemical exposure in the electronics manufacturing industry have long been recognized, but data are lacking in Southeast Asia. We conducted a study in Batam, Indonesia, to evaluate chemical exposures in electronics facilities, using participatory research and biological monitoring approaches. A convenience sample of 36 workers (28 exposed, 8 controls) was recruited, and urine samples were collected before and after shifts. Five solvents (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, benzene, and xylenes) were found in 46%-97% of samples, and seven metals (arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, tin, antimony, lead, and vanadium) were detected in 60%-100% of samples. Biological monitoring and participatory research appeared to be useful in assessing workers' exposure when workplace air monitoring is not feasible due to a lack of cooperation from the employer. Several logistical challenges need to be addressed in future biomonitoring studies of electronics workers in Asia in factories where employers are reluctant to track workers' exposure and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hyun Lee
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Vesara Ardhe Gatera
- Department of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University Kuala Lumpur - Royal College of Medicine Perak, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Ted Smith
- International Campaign for Responsible Technology, San Jose, California, USA
| | | | | | - Rizky Abdulah
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Indonesia
| | - Connie Bonham
- Analytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Sa Liu
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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Kim K, Sung HK, Jang J, Suh EE, Lee K, Park SK. Health Status, Health-Related Factors and Work Environment in Korean Semiconductor Workers between 1984–2012: A Qualitative Study and a Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19106286. [PMID: 35627823 PMCID: PMC9140394 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background: The environment of semiconductor facilities and exposure status has undergone changes. To identify changes in the work environment, health status, and risk factors, a qualitative and cross-sectional study was conducted. Methods: For the qualitative study, 38 current and retired workers who worked for at least 10-years were studied; for the cross-sectional study, 306 current workers who worked for at least 5-years based on JEM strata from Samsung Electronics were selected. Participants were asked about occupational history, cancer-relating risk factors during the working period, medical history, dietary habits for the past year, and hematological cancer-relating infection. Results: In the qualitative study, fabrication workers reported bladder cystitis, dermatitis in hands, gastritis/ulcer, and dry eye as frequent symptoms during work environment changes (manual to automatic process). In the cross-sectional study, there were no abnormal findings for infection biomarkers related to hematological cancer and spontaneous abortion, and their general health status was no different from the general population. Also, questionnaire feasibility was evaluated for the applicability in the prospective cohort. Conclusion: Current semiconductor workers’ health status was good compared to other populations. For lifelong health assessment, a cohort study is needed which considers health worker effects and current environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungsik Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea; (K.K.); (J.J.)
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Ho Kyung Sung
- Institute for Public Healthcare, National Medical Center, Eulji-ro 245, Jung-gu, Seoul 04564, Korea;
- National Emergency Medical Center, National Medical Center, Eulji-ro 245, Jung-gu, Seoul 04564, Korea
| | - Jieun Jang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea; (K.K.); (J.J.)
- Gyeongnam Center for Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Jungang-daero 300, Uichang-gu, Changwon 51154, Korea
| | - Eunyoung E. Suh
- College of Nursing Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea;
| | - Kwan Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dongkuk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju 38066, Korea;
| | - Sue K. Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea; (K.K.); (J.J.)
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-740-8338; Fax: +82-2-747-4830
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Hwang SH, Park MY, Lee WJ, Park I, Hong K, Park D, Lee KM. A comparison of meta-analysis results with and without adjustment for the healthy worker effect: cancer mortality among workers in the semiconductor industry. Epidemiol Health 2021; 43:e2021057. [PMID: 34525505 PMCID: PMC8611319 DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2021057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study compared the results of meta-analysis with and without adjustment for the healthy worker effect on the association between working in the semiconductor industry and cancer mortality. METHODS Six studies that reported standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for cancers were selected for meta-analysis. Using a random-effects model, the SMR results from each study were combined for all cancers and leukemias to estimate the summary SMRs (95% confidence interval, CI). To adjust for the healthy worker effect, the relative standardized mortality ratio (rSMR=SMRx/SMRnot x) were calculated using observed and expected counts for the specific cause of interest (i.e., all cancers and leukemias) and the observed and expected counts for all other causes of mortality. Then, the rSMR results were combined to estimate the summary rSMRs (95% CIs). RESULTS The SMRs for all causes of mortality among semiconductor industry workers ranged from 0.25 to 0.80, which reflects a significant healthy worker effect. A remarkable difference was found between the summary SMRs and the summary rSMRs. The summary SMR for all cancers was 0.70 (95% CI, 0.63 to 0.79) whereas the summary rSMR was 1.38 (95% CI, 1.20 to 1.59). The summary SMR for leukemia was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.72 to 1.07), and the summary rSMR was 1.88 (95% CI, 1.20 to 2.95). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that adjustment for the healthy worker effect (i.e., rSMR) may be useful in meta-analyses of cohort studies reporting SMRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Ho Hwang
- National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Moon-Young Park
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Seoul University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Jin Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Inho Park
- Department of Statistics, Pukyong University, Busan, Korea
| | - Kimyong Hong
- Department of Nursing, Songkok University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Donguk Park
- Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoung-Mu Lee
- Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University, Seoul, Korea
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Yoon C, Kim S, Park D, Choi Y, Jo J, Lee K. Chemical Use and Associated Health Concerns in the Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry. Saf Health Work 2020; 11:500-508. [PMID: 33329917 PMCID: PMC7728705 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2020.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Research on the status of many chemicals used in the semiconductor industry is needed. The purpose of this study was to describe the overall status of chemical use in the semiconductor industry in Korea and to examine it from a health perspective. Methods Data on the status of chemical use and safety data sheets at 11 of 12 major semiconductor workplaces in Korea were collected. The number of chemical products and chemical constituents, quantities of chemicals, and trade secret ingredients used, as well as the health hazards were examined. Results On average, 210 chemical products and 135 chemical constituents were used at the surveyed workplaces. Among all chemical products, 33% (range: 16-56%) contained at least one trade secret ingredient. Most of the trade secret ingredients were used in the photolithography process. Several carcinogens, including sulfuric acid, chromic acid, ethylene oxide, crystalline silica, potassium dichromate, and formaldehyde were also used. Only 29% (39 of 135) of the chemical constituents had occupational exposure limits, and more than 60% had no National Fire Protection Association health, safety, and reactivity ratings. Based on the aforementioned results, this study revealed the following. First, many chemical products and constituents are being used in the semiconductor industry and many products contained trade secret ingredients. Second, many products contained significant amounts of carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reproductive toxicant materials. Conclusion We conclude that protecting workers in the semiconductor industry against harm from chemical substances will be difficult, due to widespread use of trade secret ingredients and a lack of hazard information. The findings of the status of chemical use and the health and safety risks in semiconductor industry will contribute to epidemiological studies, safe workplace, and worker health protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chungsik Yoon
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunju Kim
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Republic of Korea
| | - Donguk Park
- Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University, Republic of Korea
| | - Younsoon Choi
- Management and Planning Bureau, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihoon Jo
- Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwonseob Lee
- Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Republic of Korea
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Kim K, Sung HK, Lee K, Park SK. Semiconductor Work and the Risk of Spontaneous Abortion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16234626. [PMID: 31766392 PMCID: PMC6926641 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16234626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: In the semiconductor industry, female workers were identified as having an increased risk of spontaneous abortion (SA). To date, the association between semiconductor work and SA is controversial. We aimed to assess the association between semiconductor work and specific processes and SA, in the semiconductor industry. (2) Methods: A literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and other core databases, from the date of inception of these databases to 31 July 2019. Studies that identified SA risk in female workers in the semiconductor industry were included. (3) Results: We identified 529 studies, of which six studies were included in the meta-analysis. During 1980–1993, the risk of SA in fabrication (Fab) workers was significantly higher than non-Fab workers (RR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.05–1.57). Photolithography workers had a higher SA risk than non-process and office workers (RR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.13–1.77). (4) Conclusion: Meta-analysis indicates a statistically significant association between Fab-work and SA. Specific process and chemical exposure meta-analyses need to be interpreted carefully considering bias. Because of the rapid change in the semiconductor industry, it is necessary to conduct an elaborate cohort study taking into consideration the current working environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungsik Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea;
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Ho Kyung Sung
- National Emergency Medical Center, National Medical Center, Seoul 04564, Korea;
| | - Kwan Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju 38066, Korea;
| | - Sue K. Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea;
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-740-8338; Fax: +82-2-747-4830
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Kim S, Yoon C, Ham S, Park J, Kwon O, Park D, Choi S, Kim S, Ha K, Kim W. Chemical use in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2018; 24:109-118. [PMID: 30281405 DOI: 10.1080/10773525.2018.1519957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The semiconductor industry is known to use a number of chemicals, but little is known about the exact chemicals used due to the ingredients being kept as a trade secret. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to analyze chemical use using a safety data sheet (SDS) and chemical inventory provided by a major semiconductor company, which operated two factories (A and B). METHODS Descriptive statistics were obtained on the number of chemical products and ingredients, photoresists, and carcinogens, classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), as well as trade secret ingredients. The total chemical use per year was estimated from chemical inventories mass (kg). RESULTS A total of 428 and 432 chemical products were used in factories A and B, respectively. The number of pure chemical ingredients, after removing both trade secret ingredients and multiple counting, was 189 and 157 in factories A and B, respectively. The number of products containing carcinogens, such as sulfuric acid, catechol, and naphthalene was 47/428 (A) and 28/432 (B). Chemicals used in photolithography were 21% (A) and 26% (B) of all chemical products, and more than 97% among them were chemicals containing trade secret ingredients. CONCLUSIONS Each year, 4.3 and 8.3 tons of chemicals were used per person in factories A and B, respectively. Because of the high level of commercial secrecy and the use of many unregulated chemicals, more sustainable policies and methods should be implemented to address health and safety issues in the semiconductor industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunju Kim
- a Department of Environmental Health Science and Institute of Health and Environment , Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University , Gwanak-gu , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Chungsik Yoon
- a Department of Environmental Health Science and Institute of Health and Environment , Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University , Gwanak-gu , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghon Ham
- b Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine , Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine , Namdong-gu , Incheon , Republic of Korea
| | - Jihoon Park
- a Department of Environmental Health Science and Institute of Health and Environment , Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University , Gwanak-gu , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Ohun Kwon
- a Department of Environmental Health Science and Institute of Health and Environment , Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University , Gwanak-gu , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Donguk Park
- c Department of Environmental Health , Korea National Open University , Jongno-gu , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Sangjun Choi
- d Department of Occupational Health , Catholic University of Daegu , Gyeongsan-si , Republic of Korea
| | - Seungwon Kim
- e Department of Public Health Environmental Health , Keimyung University , Dalseo-gu , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Kwonchul Ha
- f Department of Environmental Health , Changwon National University , Gyeongsangnam-do , Republic of Korea
| | - Won Kim
- g Wonjin Institute , Jungnang-gu , Seoul , Republic of Korea
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Silver SR, Pinkerton LE, Fleming DA, Jones JH, Allee S, Luo L, Bertke SJ. Retrospective cohort study of a microelectronics and business machine facility. Am J Ind Med 2014; 57:412-24. [PMID: 24375784 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examined health outcomes among 34,494 workers employed at a microelectronics and business machine facility 1969-2001. METHODS Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and standardized incidence ratios were used to evaluate health outcomes in the cohort and Cox regression modeling to evaluate relations between scores for occupational exposures and outcomes of a priori interest. RESULTS Just over 17% of the cohort (5,966 people) had died through 2009. All cause, all cancer, and many cause-specific SMRs showed statistically significant deficits. In hourly males, SMRs were significantly elevated for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and rectal cancer. Salaried males had excess testicular cancer incidence. Pleural cancer and mesothelioma excesses were observed in workers hired before 1969, but no available records substantiate use of asbestos in manufacturing processes. A positive, statistically significant relation was observed between exposure scores for tetrachloroethylene and nervous system diseases. CONCLUSIONS Few significant exposure-outcome relations were observed, but risks from occupational exposures cannot be ruled out due to data limitations and the relative youth of the cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon R. Silver
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Assessment and Field Studies; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Cincinnati Ohio
| | - Lynne E. Pinkerton
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Assessment and Field Studies; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Cincinnati Ohio
| | - Donald A. Fleming
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Assessment and Field Studies; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Cincinnati Ohio
| | | | | | - Lian Luo
- Emergint Technologies; Cincinnati Ohio
| | - Stephen J. Bertke
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Assessment and Field Studies; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Cincinnati Ohio
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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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O'neill R, Pickvance S, Watterson A. Burying the Evidence: How Great Britain is Prolonging the Occupational Cancer Epidemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2013; 13:428-36. [DOI: 10.1179/oeh.2007.13.4.428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Lin CC, Wang JD, Hsieh GY, Chang YY, Chen PC. Increased Risk of Death with Congenital Anomalies in the Offspring of Male Semiconductor Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2013; 14:112-6. [DOI: 10.1179/oeh.2008.14.2.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Ladou J, Teitelbaum DT, Egilman DS, Frank AL, Kramer SN, Huff J. American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM): A Professional Association in Service to Industry. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2013; 13:404-26. [DOI: 10.1179/oeh.2007.13.4.404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Lee JH, Sohn EK, Ahn JS, Ahn K, Kim KS, Lee JH, Lee TM, Yu IJ. Exposure assessment of workers in printed electronics workplace. Inhal Toxicol 2013; 25:426-34. [DOI: 10.3109/08958378.2013.800617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Yu W, Lao XQ, Pang S, Zhou J, Zhou A, Zou J, Mei L, Yu ITS. A survey of occupational health hazards among 7,610 female workers in China's electronics industry. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2013; 68:190-195. [PMID: 23697691 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2012.701244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the occupational hazards among Chinese female workers in the electronics industry, the authors systematically sampled a total of 8,300 female workers at random across 4 provinces in a variety of electronics factories. A detailed questionnaire was used to collect information on occupational hazards and the occurrence of occupation-related diseases. The results show that 4,283 female workers (51.9%) were exposed to 1 or more occupational hazards. The most common chemical hazard was organic solvent, and the second most common was heavy metals. The ergonomic hazards included repetitive movements, poor standing posture, and the lifting of heavy goods. More than 60% of the female workers self-reported occupation-related diseases. These results showed that occupational health hazards were common in the electronics industry in China and that they caused serious occupation-related health problems for the female workers therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlan Yu
- National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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Cancer mortality and incidence in korean semiconductor workers. Saf Health Work 2011; 2:135-47. [PMID: 22953196 PMCID: PMC3431897 DOI: 10.5491/shaw.2011.2.2.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2011] [Accepted: 04/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate cancer risks in the Korean semiconductor industry. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed in eight semiconductor factories between 1998 and 2008. The number of subjects was 113,443 for mortality and 108,443 for incidence. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated. Results The SMR of leukemia was 0.39 (95% Confidence Interval 0.08-1.14) in males (2 cases) and 1.37 (0.55-2.81) in females (7 cases). The SMR of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) was 1.33 (0.43-3.09, 5 cases) in males and 2.5 (0.68-6.40, 4 cases) in females. The SIR of leukemia was 0.69 (0.30-1.37, 8 cases) in males and 1.28 (0.61-2.36, 10 cases) in females. The SIR of NHL in females was 2.31 (1.23-3.95, 13 cases) and that of thyroid cancer in males was 2.11 (1.49-2.89, 38 cases). The excess incidence of NHL was significant in female assembly operators [SIR=3.15 (1.02-7.36, 5 cases)], but not significant in fabrication workers. The SIR of NHL in the group working for 1-5 years was higher than the SIR of NHL for those working for more than five years. The excess incidence of male thyroid cancer was observed in both office and manufacturing workers. Conclusion There was no significant increase of leukemia in the Korean semiconductor industry. However, the incidence of NHL in females and thyroid cancer in males were significantly increased even though there was no definite association between work and those diseases in subgroup analysis according to work duration. This result should be interpreted cautiously, because the majority of the cohort was young and the number of cases was small.
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Quantitative exposure assessment of various chemical substances in a wafer fabrication industry facility. Saf Health Work 2011; 2:39-51. [PMID: 22953186 PMCID: PMC3431888 DOI: 10.5491/shaw.2011.2.1.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2010] [Accepted: 12/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study was designed to evaluate exposure levels of various chemicals used in wafer fabrication product lines in the semiconductor industry where work-related leukemia has occurred. Methods The research focused on 9 representative wafer fabrication bays among a total of 25 bays in a semiconductor product line. We monitored the chemical substances categorized as human carcinogens with respect to leukemia as well as harmful chemicals used in the bays and substances with hematologic and reproductive toxicities to evaluate the overall health effect for semiconductor industry workers. With respect to monitoring, active and passive sampling techniques were introduced. Eight-hour long-term and 15-minute short-term sampling was conducted for the area as well as on personal samples. Results The results of the measurements for each substance showed that benzene, toluene, xylene, n-butyl acetate, 2-methoxyethanol, 2-heptanone, ethylene glycol, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid were non-detectable (ND) in all samples. Arsine was either "ND" or it existed only in trace form in the bay air. The maximum exposure concentration of fluorides was approximately 0.17% of the Korea occupational exposure limits, with hydrofluoric acid at about 0.2%, hydrochloric acid 0.06%, nitric acid 0.05%, isopropyl alcohol 0.4%, and phosphine at about 2%. The maximum exposure concentration of propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA) was 0.0870 ppm, representing only 0.1% or less than the American Industrial Hygiene Association recommended standard (100 ppm). Conclusion Benzene, a known human carcinogen for leukemia, and arsine, a hematologic toxin, were not detected in wafer fabrication sites in this study. Among reproductive toxic substances, n-butyl acetate was not detected, but fluorides and PGMEA existed in small amounts in the air. This investigation was focused on the air-borne chemical concentrations only in regular working conditions. Unconditional exposures during spills and/or maintenance tasks and by-product chemicals were not included. Supplementary studies might be required.
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A Comprehensive Review of Arsenic Levels in the Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 54:869-79. [DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/meq051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Clapp RW, Hoffman K. Cancer mortality in IBM Endicott plant workers, 1969-2001: an update on a NY production plant. Environ Health 2008; 7:13. [PMID: 18442394 PMCID: PMC2383884 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-7-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2008] [Accepted: 04/28/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to concerns expressed by workers at a public meeting, we analyzed the mortality experience of workers who were employed at the IBM plant in Endicott, New York and died between 1969-2001. An epidemiologic feasibility assessment indicated potential worker exposure to several known and suspected carcinogens at this plant. METHODS We used the mortality and work history files produced under a court order and used in a previous mortality analysis. Using publicly available data for the state of New York as a standard of comparison, we conducted proportional cancer mortality (PCMR) analysis. RESULTS The results showed significantly increased mortality due to melanoma (PCMR = 367; 95% CI: 119, 856) and lymphoma (PCMR = 220; 95% CI: 101, 419) in males and modestly increased mortality due to kidney cancer (PCMR = 165; 95% CI: 45, 421) and brain cancer (PCMR = 190; 95% CI: 52, 485) in males and breast cancer (PCMR = 126; 95% CI: 34, 321) in females. CONCLUSION These results are similar to results from a previous IBM mortality study and support the need for a full cohort mortality analysis such as the one being planned by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Clapp
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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