Semiconductor

Chemicals used in the semiconductor industry can cause birth defects and injuries to the children of parents exposed to those chemicals. This website is meant to help you learn more about these birth defects. Also learn what you can do if you believe your child suffers from an injury or birth defect caused by your or your spouse's exposure to chemicals in the semiconductor industry. We are dedicated to helping families harmed by exposure to toxic substances.

How do chemicals used in the semiconductor industry cause birth defects?

Semiconductor parts like chips, wafers and boards are made using chemicals, such as etching materials, solvents, cleaning fluids and EGEs. People who assemble and manufacture these parts often work in "clean room" environments meant to keep even tiny particles of dust out of the parts. While we may picture a clean room as a sterile environment, its entire purpose is to protect semiconductor parts from physical damage. It is not "clean" of chemicals or toxins that can damage humans.

These chemicals are harmful to humans. They are teratogenic, meaning that they can cause permanent harm to a baby if the mother is exposed. They may also damage a mother or father's chromosomes or may cause reproductive injuries, so that a child conceived after a parent's exposure may inherit abnormal DNA and suffer from birth defects.

What birth defects can result if a parent is exposed to these chemicals?

Chromosomes are the blueprints for how our bodies are put together and function. Damage to human chromosomes can cause abnormalities in any part of the body. These are some of the birth defects that have been linked to semiconductor chemical exposure:

• Skeletal and limb abnormalities
• Cognitive impairment
• Blindness
• Mental retardation
• Missing or deformed organs
• Shortened or missing limbs
• Premature death

Can exposing a father to these chemicals cause birth defects in his children?

Yes. Teratogenic chemicals can cause damage to sperm cells and to the cells which create sperm. Genetically damaged sperm cells can still fertilize an ovum (egg cell). Even if the mother was not exposed to teratogens before or during the pregnancy, abnormalities can be passed on through the father's sperm cells and cause birth defects.

How can you help my family?

Our lawyers work with highly-qualified scientific and medical professionals to determine if the birth defect is related to chemical exposures. A child who suffers from birth defects caused by a parent's exposure to toxic chemicals may have a claim against the companies that manufactured semiconductor products, as well as the companies that produced the teratogenic chemicals. The child and his or her parents may be entitled to recover substantial damages.

What should I do if my child has a birth defect?

You may consider contacting the following organizations listed below. These are just a few of the groups that provide information and support for families of children with birth defects. You can also call 866.998.6942 or email us to discuss your case. Together, we will determine whether your child's injuries may have been caused by exposure to teratogenic and toxic chemicals.

• March of Dimes
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• American Academy of Pediatrics