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

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  • Kyungsik Kim

    (Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea
    Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Seoul National University, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea
    Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea)

  • Ho Kyung Sung

    (National Medical Center, Institute for Public Healthcare, 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, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea
    Gyeongnam Center for Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Jungang-daero 300, Uichang-gu, Changwon 51154, Korea)

  • Chang-Mo Kang

    (Research Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Nowon-ro 75, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01812, Korea)

  • Kwan Lee

    (Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Korea)

  • Sue K. Park

    (Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea
    Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea
    Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea)

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; (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.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:14:p:8737-:d:865345
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    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. 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.
    3. Beata Rzepka-Migut & Justyna Paprocka, 2020. "Melatonin-Measurement Methods and the Factors Modifying the Results. A Systematic Review of the Literature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-18, March.
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