SIA Selects Vanderbilt University For Industry-Funded Cancer Risk Study

San Jose, CA -- The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) announced that it has signed a contract with Vanderbilt University to conduct a retrospective epidemiological study to determine if there is an increased cancer risk among wafer fabrication workers compared to other semiconductor industry workers and the general population.

SIA reported that the multimillion-dollar study will review records of approximately 85,000 workers who worked in wafer fabrication facilities of member companies during the past 30 years. SIA member companies are funding the study, which will be one of the largest privately sponsored epidemiological studies ever conducted. The study will be conducted by researchers at the Vanderbilt University-Ingram Cancer Center. Results of the study are expected to be reported to the SIA in the spring of 2009.

"Vanderbilt University and its investigative team have an outstanding reputation and track record in conducting epidemiological research," said SIA President George Scalise.

"The epidemiology study is an important part of the semiconductor industry's efforts to assure the safest possible workplace for our employees. None of the scientific research published to date suggests that people employed in semiconductor manufacturing face increased cancer risks. We hope that this study, which will cover approximately 85,000 people who worked in wafer fabrication facilities over the past 30 years, will add significantly to our knowledge about potential cancer risk in the semiconductor industry."

SOURCE: Semiconductor Industry Association/Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center