Popcorn Factories and Lung Diseases

Hundreds of popcorn factory workers have been diagnosed with popcorn lung disease as a result of exposure to a chemical contained in most microwaved popcorn. The medical term for popcorn lung disease is Bronchiolitis Obliterans, a potentially fatal disease that often requires a lung transplant for treatment.

What is Popcorn Lung?

Popcorn lung disease is caused by inhalation of the chemical diacetyl, which leads to inflammation of the bronchioles. Bronchioles are tiny branches of air tubes found throughout the lung. Repeated exposure to diacetyl causes the irritation to form scar tissue which blocks the tubes, limiting the ability of the lungs to transfer oxygen to the rest of the body.

Popcorn Workers and Lung Disease Risks

Bronchiolitis Obliterans has been nicknamed Popcorn Lung due to the disease being exceedingly rare in the general public, while increasingly common among popcorn factory employees. Popcorn factory employees were constantly inhaling airborne diacetyl, which is used heavily as an additive by the popcorn industry.

When used as an additive diacetyl gives food products a buttery flavor and aroma, making it particularly important to popcorn manufacturers. Popcorn Lung risk is especially high among workers that tested microwavable popcorn, who would routinely open hundreds of bags per day.

Popcorn Lung Symptoms and Signs

Early symptoms of popcorn lung disease include:

Persistent dry cough and wheezing
Decreased lung capacity often results in shortness of breath, especially during exercise

If you are experiencing the symptoms of popcorn lung disease, you should immediately consult with your doctor. Many of the symptoms and signs are misdiagnosed as asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis.

Treatment for popcorn lung disease is more effective when diagnosed early, though the effects are irreversible. Many factory workers are currently on lung transplant lists, as transplant is the only treatment with hope for survival in advanced cases.

Worked in a Popcorn Factory? Talk to a Lawyer Now

If you are a former popcorn factory employee and have felt possible symptoms and signs of popcorn lung disease, you should consult with a popcorn lung lawyer. You might be eligible for compensation for your injuries.

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