Worker Safety

“Cancer Cases Cast Pall Over High-Tech Jobs” (Dec. 5) erroneously alleges that the U.S. semiconductor industry “has refused to cooperate with the Environmental Protection Agency in studying whether electronics workers in California have higher rates of cancer and birth defects than the public.” The industry has ongoing, positive working relationships with the EPA and other federal agencies that are responsible for worker health and safety, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. As we have done repeatedly in the past, we stand ready today to work with these agencies to resolve all health, safety and environmental issues involving our industry. The article’s allegation is simply untrue.

The industry has participated in several large occupational health studies where there was credible evidence of the existence of a potential issue. Industry occupational safety and health professionals also carefully review and share available scientific and health data. To date, these experts have found no evidence that suggests there are any unusual or elevated cancer risks associated with employment in the semiconductor industry.

GEORGE SCALISE, President

Semiconductor Industry Assn.

San Jose