Chemical Use and Associated Health Concerns in the Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry

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.

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

“…It was reported that the health of workers in the semiconductor industry were at risk due to widespread use of harmful chemical substances. Approximately 33% of the products contained trade secret ingredients, which might cause a lack of hazardous information [ 1 ]. In this study, the demographic and clinical characteristics of employees of the semiconductor/LCD company, which are associated with the risk of exposure to various types of hazards, were analyzed by health risk groups with a focus on chronic diseases.…”

“…According to a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) on the work-related burden of disease, working more than 49 h per week was significantly correlated with the increased risk of acquiring stroke compared to workers who worked less than 40 h/week [ 28 ]. In Korea, the legal working hours in Korea were 40 h per week, and was allowed up to 52 h/week in 2016, which might cause serious health problems for workers, especially in the working environments exposed to hazardous chemical substances [ 1 , 29 ]. Thus, it is necessary to make a systematic plan to improve the health of Korean workers through continuous research on the correlation between working hours and their health status.…”

“…Moreover, cloud-based computing and modern life greatly depend on the products of this industry. The growth of the semiconductor/LCD industry will continue with new applications for the high-performance computer market segment [ 1 ]. The high-tech industry originated in developed countries such as the United States, Japan, and Europe, and then migrated globally to find niches in Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, China, and other Asian countries because of their low wage rates, highly skilled workers, and limited regulations pertaining to the environment and occupational health [ 2 , 3 ].…”

A Scoping Review of Causal Associations between Occupation and Cancer Occurrence and Legal Burden of Proof

“…Complicating matters further, the composition of many chemical products, such as photoresist used in semiconductor fabrication, is often a trade secret and not publicly disclosed. Given these circumstances, it is plausible that the array of hazardous substances to which the worker was exposed played a complex role in #3 A case where a worker with a pre-existing condition rapidly worsened the condition due to overwork 5 .…”

“…The causative relationship between suspected factors and the disease often remains elusive due to current limitations in medical and natural science research. Despite extensive epidemiological studies in various countries, including the United States, a clear correlation between work history and cancer incidence is yet to be firmly established [5]. Additionally, companies frequently withhold information about harmful factors in the work environment, citing trade secrets.…”