Research

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14 pages, 531 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biological Assessment of Potential Exposure to Occupational Substances in Current Semiconductor Workers with at Least 5 Years of Employment

by Kyungsik Kim, Ho Kyung Sung, Jieun Jang, Chang-Mo Kang, Kwan Lee and Sue K. Park

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8737; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19148737 - 18 Jul 2022

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Abstract

Background: this study aimed to conduct a biological assessment of the potential exposure to carcinogenic substances in current semiconductor workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 306 semiconductor workers. The assessed biomarkers were as follows: (benzene) urine S-phenylmercapturic, trans,trans-muconic acid, blood benzene; [...] Read more.

Background: this study aimed to conduct a biological assessment of the potential exposure to carcinogenic substances in current semiconductor workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 306 semiconductor workers. The assessed biomarkers were as follows: (benzene) urine S-phenylmercapturic, trans,trans-muconic acid, blood benzene; (trichloroethylene) urine trichloroacetic acid; (2-ethoxyethanol) 2-ethoxyacetic acid; (arsine) urine arsenic3+, arsenic5+, monomethylarsonic, dimethylarsinic acid, arsenobetaine; (shift work) 6-hydroxymelatonin; (smoking) cotinine, and (radiation). The detection rate of these materials is defined as more than the biological exposure index (BEI) or the previous reference value. Results: Some workers exposed to trans,trans-muconic acid, trichloroacetic acid, and arsenic5+ showed high BEI levels. Generally, there was no difference according to job categories, and workers were suspected to be exposed to other sources. The melatonin concentration tended to decrease when working at night, and cotinine was identified as an excellent surrogate marker for smoking. In the case of radiation exposure, there was no significant difference in the number of stable chromosome translocation in 19 semiconductor workers. Their estimated radiation exposure level was below the limit of detection (LOD) or near the LOD level. Conclusion: In this study, most carcinogens were below the BEI level, but verification through re-measurement was needed for workers who were identified to have a high BEI level. For continuous monitoring, a prospective cohort is necessary to deal with the healthy worker effect and assess additional materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workers’ Health in the New Emerging IT Industry)

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10 pages, 666 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Two Semiconductor Companies’ Financial Support Compensation (FSC) Programs for Semiconductor Workers with Suspected Work-Related Diseases (WRDs)

by Hyoung-Ryoul Kim and Dong-Uk Park

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8694; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19148694 - 17 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1156

Abstract

This study described two companies’ financial compensation programs for semiconductor workers with suspected work-related diseases (WRDs) and discussed the major related issues. The key contents of the programs found on the websites opened by two semiconductor companies (Samsung and SK Hynix) were cited. [...] Read more.

This study described two companies’ financial compensation programs for semiconductor workers with suspected work-related diseases (WRDs) and discussed the major related issues. The key contents of the programs found on the websites opened by two semiconductor companies (Samsung and SK Hynix) were cited. In order to select the suspected WRDs for the FSC, all available epidemiologic studies related to health problems conducted in the semiconductor industry were reviewed. Most program contents are similar, although the amount of financial compensation and a few types of disease available for compensation differ between the companies. The group of cancer, rare disease, childhood rare disease among children born to semiconductor workers (hereafter selected diseases among offspring), and fetal loss, including spontaneous abortion (SAB) and stillbirth, were considered for compensation. An employment duration of longer than one year on a semiconductor production line is required for FSC for cancer or rare disease. The FSC for SAB and offspring disease require a period of employment longer than one month, either before three months prior to conception or between conception and childbirth. The maximum amount of compensation per type of cancer and rare disease was fixed based on the medical treatment fee. The FSC programs of the two companies have been operated successfully to date. These programs are arguably considered to contribute to resolving the conflict between companies and workers with WRDs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workers’ Health in the New Emerging IT Industry)

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12 pages, 316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health Status, Health-Related Factors and Work Environment in Korean Semiconductor Workers between 1984–2012: A Qualitative Study and a Cross-Sectional Study

by Kyungsik Kim, Ho Kyung Sung, Jieun Jang, Eunyoung E. Suh, Kwan Lee and Sue K. Park

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6286; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19106286 - 22 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1703

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workers’ Health in the New Emerging IT Industry)

14 pages, 2521 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physicochemical Characteristics and Occupational Exposure of Silica Particles as Byproducts in a Semiconductor Sub Fab

by Kwang-Min Choi and Soo-Jin Lee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1791; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19031791 - 04 Feb 2022

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Abstract

This study aimed to elucidate the physicochemical characteristics and occupational exposure of silica powder and airborne particles as byproducts generated from the first scrubbers of chemical vapor deposition and diffusion processes during maintenance in a semiconductor facility sub fab to reduce unknown risk [...] Read more.

This study aimed to elucidate the physicochemical characteristics and occupational exposure of silica powder and airborne particles as byproducts generated from the first scrubbers of chemical vapor deposition and diffusion processes during maintenance in a semiconductor facility sub fab to reduce unknown risk factors. The chemical composition, size, morphology, and crystal structure of powder and airborne particles as byproducts were investigated using a scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and an X-ray diffraction. The number and mass concentration measurements of airborne particles were performed by using an optical particle sizer of a direct-reading aerosol monitor. All powder and airborne particle samples were mainly composed of oxygen (O) and silicon (Si), which means silica. The byproduct particles were spherical and/or nearly spherical and the particle size ranged from 10 to 90 nm, based on primary particles. Most of the particles were usually agglomerated within a particle size range from approximately 100 nm to 35 µm. In addition, most of the powder samples exhibited diffraction patterns with a broad and relatively low intensity at 2θ degrees 21.6–26.7°, which is similar to that of pure amorphous silica. The above results show the byproduct particles are amorphous silica, which are considered a less toxic foam compared to crystalline silica. The number and mass concentrations of PM10 (particles less than 10 µm in diameter) ranged from 4.250–78.466 particles/cm³ and 0.939–735.531 µg/m³, respectively. In addition, 0.3–1.0 and 2.5–10 µm particles occupied the highest portion of the number and mass concentrations, respectively. Meanwhile, several peak exposure patterns were observed at a specific step, which is the process of removing powder particles on the inner chamber and cleaning the chamber by using a vacuum cleaner and a clean wiper, during the maintenance task. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workers’ Health in the New Emerging IT Industry)

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13 pages, 320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Employee Perspectives on Onsite Health Clinics in Semiconductor Company in South Korea

by Yun-Kyoung Song, Boyoon Choi, Jung Mi Oh, Arim Kwak and Kyungim Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1433; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19031433 - 27 Jan 2022

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Abstract

(1) Background: Onsite clinics are increasingly common features of corporate health promotion programs. These clinics allow employers to offer convenient care to employees at their workplaces, which can lead to reduced healthcare expenditure and improved productivity. The objective of this study was to [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Onsite clinics are increasingly common features of corporate health promotion programs. These clinics allow employers to offer convenient care to employees at their workplaces, which can lead to reduced healthcare expenditure and improved productivity. The objective of this study was to build basic data by qualitatively exploring employees’ experiences and perspectives on onsite clinics in a semiconductor company, as one part of the project to examine and improve the health management system of a large semiconductor company in Korea. (2) Methods: This study adopted the methodology of “Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research” (COREQ-32 checklist). Semi-structured interviews were conducted for this study over a two-month period. For data analysis, a codebook was developed and the constant comparative method was used. (3) Results: Most employees perceived convenience and a sense of belonging as the benefits of onsite clinics, while barriers to the use of onsite clinics included a lack of communication, concerns about confidentiality, and a provider-centered system. Promotion of onsite clinic services and affiliated physicians, employee-centered service provisions, and trust-building in healthcare information privacy were considered necessary to strengthen the role of onsite clinics as a primary care provider in the workplace. (4) Conclusions: The results of this qualitative study help us to gain a better understanding of employees’ perspectives on the onsite clinic’s service and roles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workers’ Health in the New Emerging IT Industry)

16 pages, 606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Influencing Workplace Health Promotion Interventions for Workers in the Semiconductor Industry According to Risk Levels of Chronic Disease

by Yun-Kyoung Song, Boyoon Choi, Kyungim Kim, Hyun Jin Park and Jung Mi Oh

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11383; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182111383 - 29 Oct 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1891

Abstract

(1) Background: This study aimed to analyze the risk of chronic diseases including hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia in workers of a semiconductor manufacturing company and the factors associated with their participation in workplace health promotion (WHP) programs. (2) Methods: Subjects were workers in [...] Read more.

(1) Background: This study aimed to analyze the risk of chronic diseases including hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia in workers of a semiconductor manufacturing company and the factors associated with their participation in workplace health promotion (WHP) programs. (2) Methods: Subjects were workers in a semiconductor and liquid crystal display company in South Korea who had undergone regular health checkups. Data from regular health checkups and WHP interventions were analyzed. Health risk was classified based on the diagnosed disease, in-house classification criteria, and pooled cardiovascular risk score. (3) Results: The baseline characteristics of 39,073 participants included the following: male, 67.8%; between 30 and 40 years of age, 74.1%; <2 h of physical activities, 65.9%. Workers at risk of chronic diseases accounted for 22.2%, and 20.1% were suspicious cases of chronic diseases. Body mass index, and cholesterol level were relatively high in workers with the burden of chronic diseases. The participation rate in WHP programs was 28.8% in a high-risk group among workers at risk of chronic diseases. More participation was shown in male, older age groups, production work type, and single-person household. (4) Conclusions: Because of the low participation rate in WHP activities among workers with the burden of chronic diseases, it is necessary to establish measures to encourage their participation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workers’ Health in the New Emerging IT Industry)

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9 pages, 1102 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Why Workers Hesitate to Report Their Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms: A Survey at a Korean Semiconductor Company

by Jong-Tae Park and Jangwhon Yoon

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11221; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182111221 - 26 Oct 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1667

Abstract

Underreporting work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) has been an issue in South Korea. The purpose of this survey was to figure out how many employees of a semiconductor and liquid crystal display company in South Korea experience WRMSDs and what the possible obstacles in [...] Read more.

Underreporting work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) has been an issue in South Korea. The purpose of this survey was to figure out how many employees of a semiconductor and liquid crystal display company in South Korea experience WRMSDs and what the possible obstacles in reporting to the company are. A survey was developed with demographic questions, perceived WRMSD symptoms, and reasons for reporting or not reporting WRMSD. The survey was distributed via the company’s intranet to all employees (24,380) whose employee identification number ended with an odd number. A total of 2862 employees completed the survey and the response rate was 11.7%. A total of 55.2% of respondents had felt at least one musculoskeletal symptom during the past year. More than 40% of workers who had experienced pain or discomfort during the past year thought their symptoms were more than 50%. work-related. More than one-fourth of respondents answered that they did not report their symptoms to the company more than once. The open-ended answers for not reporting WRMSD were categorized into seven common reasons. The reasons for not reporting WRMSD in previous studies show a combination of personal, organizational, socioeconomical, and cultural factors. To encourage and manage WRMSD effectively, seven recommendations of authors are described. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workers’ Health in the New Emerging IT Industry)

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Review

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12 pages, 470 KiB

Open AccessReview

Semiconductor Work, Leukemia, and Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Kyungsik Kim, Ho Kyung Sung, Kwan Lee and Sue K. Park

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14733; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192214733 - 09 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1416

Abstract

Background: With the development of the semiconductor industry over the past 60 years, various occupational diseases have been reported to coincide with rapid industrial growth. Among these occupational diseases, the association between semiconductor work and cancers, including leukemia, remains controversial. Therefore, this systematic [...] Read more.

Background: With the development of the semiconductor industry over the past 60 years, various occupational diseases have been reported to coincide with rapid industrial growth. Among these occupational diseases, the association between semiconductor work and cancers, including leukemia, remains controversial. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis assesses the associations between semiconductor work, leukemia, and cancer risk. Methods: The core research databases, including PubMed, were screened for studies published until 31 July 2022. All eligible studies assessed cancer risk among workers in the semiconductor industry. Results: Nine studies were selected after a literature review. The employment period of semiconductor workers in each study was between 1965 and 2009. Semiconductor work was not significantly associated with the risk of leukemia (Relative Risk [RR], 1.02; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.74–1.41) or cancer (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.93–1.07). Conclusion: In this meta-analysis, semiconductor work was not significantly associated with leukemia or cancer risk. Internal comparisons, such as non-fab workers, quality of the study, employment period, and healthy worker effect, should be considered for interpretation. Furthermore, a prospective cohort study based on overall semiconductor workers in the industry could be useful to assess occupational disease risk as a mandatory component of health assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workers’ Health in the New Emerging IT Industry)

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