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.
Highlights
The semiconductor industry began in the 1960s [1], and Korea built the foundation for the semiconductor industry in the 1970s [2]
During 1980–1993, the risk of spontaneous abortion (SA) in fabrication (Fab) workers was significantly higher than non-Fab workers (RR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.05–1.57)
The remaining 85 studies were considered eligible for the meta-analysis, and these articles were reviewed in detail
Summary
The semiconductor industry began in the 1960s [1], and Korea built the foundation for the semiconductor industry in the 1970s [2]. The semiconductor industry has the second-highest proportion of female workers among the twelve main industries in Korea [3]. According to Korea Employment Information Service, nearly 107,000 workers are involved in the Korean semiconductor industry, which accounts for 0.7% of the entire working population [5]. Female workers in the semiconductor industry account for about. There is an increase in the proportion of female workers in the semiconductor industry, and most of them are of childbearing age [6]. They could be exposed to various chemicals causing reproductive toxicity such as lead, arsenic and arsenical compounds, tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, ionizing radiations, and organic solvents [7]. Concerns about female workers and their offspring have been steadily increasing [8,9]
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