A cross-sectional survey of respiratory and general health outcomes among semiconductor industry workers

As part of the Semiconductor Health Study, we performed a cross-sectional survey to assess prevalence of specific nonreproductive health outcomes and their association with occupational exposures. A total of 3,175 persons from eight manufacturing sites across the U.S. completed a health and work questionnaire (78% participation rate). After adjusting for confounders, responses from fabrication room (fab) workers indicated a greater risk than those of nonfab workers for upper respiratory symptoms (relative risk [RR] = 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03-1.13); a dose-response effect with hours per day spent in fabs was observed. Fab workers also had greater prevalence for persistent wheezing (RR = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.15-2.87), dermatitis within the past year (RR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.04-1.35), and alopecia (RR = 1.73; 95% CI = 1.16-2.54). Female sex, a somatization index score, and smoking were important nonoccupational covariates. Increased respiratory symptoms may result from occupational exposures in fabs; further research is needed to identify causal agents and develop prevention strategies.