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16 November 2006 - Cancer Risk Inquiry
Calls by Amicus
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In light of a study by Richard Clapp of Boston University into the cancer
deaths of workers within the computer and semiconductor manufacturing
industries, the Manufacturing Union Amicus is calling for an inquiry into cancer
risks within the industry.
The study found that based on the national average, there had been
"significantly greater” cancer deaths than expected in both men and women who
worked within a large semiconductor company.
Amicus, taking into account other studies in Scotland and the West Midlands,
have concluded that evidence is sufficient to suggest that past and present
workers within the computer and semiconductor industries could have long-term
risks to their health.
Amicus National Officer Peter Skyte said:
“This US study provides powerful evidence of the increased health risks
faced by past and present workers in the computer, chip and semiconductor
industry.
"Government health and safety agencies and employers must act urgently to
reduce this risk to stop more people dying in years to come.”
Professor Andrew Watterson of Stirling University said of the similar results
found in Scotland's National Semiconductor industry:
"The US study confirms some of the evidence we have seen at Nat Semi.
"The families of former Nat Semi workers have been calling for years for a
Europe-wide or international study into the industry, and this is the next best
thing."
Amicus is calling for actions such as the following:
- The UK computer components/semiconductor industry to initiate industry
wide research into cancer risks in the industry, and in particular to
institute the research proposed by the HSE/DTI feasibility study published in
2005.
- The UK computer components/semiconductor industry to identify the health
hazards involved in their work and take urgent steps to remove toxic agents or
control them to the lowest level possible.
- Action by the Health and Safety Executive to investigate cancer risks in
the UK computer components/semiconductor industry.
- Action by the Health and Safety Commission to urgently review the control
of toxic substances in the UK computer components/semiconductor industry.
- Action by union safety representatives to require employers to reduce
health risks.
Further information on the study can be viewed, in pdf format, by clicking
the following:
Mortality among US employees of a large computer manufacturing company:
1969-2001: Richard W Clapp
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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