Is chip making really bad for your health?

WORKERS IN CHIP FABS may be running an increased risk of developing some forms of cancer, but the waters are muddy and more research is needed, according to the US Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC).

And now the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has moved to implement some of the findings of a recent SAC report into the health risks workers in US chip factioriees may be running.

But, while President of the SIA George Scalise spouted, "The health and safety of our workers has always been a priority of the semiconductor industry," the association lifted a little finger to announce it would: "conduct a preliminary review to determine if it is possible to conduct and go forward with a meaningful retrospective epidemiological study."

Scalise declined to make the full contents of the report public.

The SIA also pledged to expand chemical materials screening progammes. Many hightly toxic substances are used to order to produce silicon chips and despite the use of clean rooms and bunny suits, fears are that wokers may be exposed to airborne carcinogens.

Back in December, we reported that the UK Health and Safety Executive found that workers in a National Semiconductor plant in Scotland displayed higher incidences of certain types of cancer than the general population.

These findings have force the chip industry to at least be seen to be doing something proactive. A previous attempt by the Environmental Protection Agency and California Department of Health Services to monitor cancers, birth defects or other health problems amongst chip workers was scuppered by industry non-participation.

Critics of the industry association say it has dragged its feet on the issue and wonder whether US companies making chips abroad expose workers to added health risks. µ

See also Cancer incidence high among chip factory workers