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

Kyungsik Kim, Ho Kyung Sung, Kwan Lee and Sue K. Park
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Kyungsik Kim: Department of Preventive Medicine, 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

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-12

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.

Keywords: semiconductor; spontaneous abortion; meta-analysis; photolithography (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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