The fast-paced changes of technology underlying this industry, as well as the stringent security precautions have added to the difficulty of instituting proper health and safety measures. Other health issues, including occupational cancer, are yet to be studied. The microelectronics industry is a good example of an industry that is exported to many areas of the world before health and safety problems are properly addressed and resolved. 4 No 1., Jan-Mar 1998. Particulate levels must be minimized, humidity and temperature closely regulateed and lighting controlled to prevent pre-exposure of light sensitive photoresists.
Recent studies suggest semiconductor workers have an increased incidence of work-related illness.
Semiconductor manufacturing is a chemically initensive industry involving many potentially hazardous operations. As this industry moves into new geographic areas, health care professionals will be asked to evaluate medical or workplace conditions associated with unfamililar and complex production processes. This paper provides an overview of semiconductor manufacturing processes for these health practioners. Broader concepts of induustrial control technology, clean room ventilation, and ergonomics are explained. The hazards are tabulated to allow rapid assessment of the risks inherent to each processing step.