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Semiconductor Work and the Risk of Spontaneous Abortion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Kyungsik Kim & Ho Kyung Sung & Kwan Lee & Sue K. Park, 2019. "Semiconductor Work and the Risk of Spontaneous Abortion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-12, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:23:p:4626-:d:289347
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kenneth Flamm, 1993. "Semiconductor Dependency and Strategic Trade Policy," Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, Economic Studies Program, The Brookings Institution, vol. 24(1 Microec), pages 249-333.
    2. Inah Kim & Myoung-Hee Kim & Sinye Lim, 2015. "Reproductive Hazards Still Persist in the Microelectronics Industry: Increased Risk of Spontaneous Abortion and Menstrual Aberration among Female Workers in the Microelectronics Industry in South Kore," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(5), pages 1-10, May.
    3. Chulyong Park & Mo-Yeol Kang & Dohyung Kim & Jaechan Park & Huisu Eom & Eun-A Kim, 2017. "Prevalence of abortion and adverse pregnancy outcomes among working women in Korea: A cross-sectional study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(8), pages 1-13, August.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Kyungsik Kim & Ho Kyung Sung & Jieun Jang & Chang-Mo Kang & Kwan Lee & Sue K. Park, 2022. "Biological Assessment of Potential Exposure to Occupational Substances in Current Semiconductor Workers with at Least 5 Years of Employment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-14, July.
    2. Kyungsik Kim & Ho Kyung Sung & Jieun Jang & Eunyoung E. Suh & Kwan Lee & Sue K. Park, 2022. "Health Status, Health-Related Factors and Work Environment in Korean Semiconductor Workers between 1984–2012: A Qualitative Study and a Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-12, May.
    3. Kyungsik Kim & Ho Kyung Sung & Kwan Lee & Sue K. Park, 2022. "Semiconductor Work, Leukemia, and Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-12, November.

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