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Popcorn Lung, or Bronchiolitis Obliterans, is a lung disease affecting employees from popcorn factories. Popcorn Lung is caused by the inhalation of food flavoring additives containing a compound called diacetyl. Most workers who were exposed to this dangerous chemical were unaware of the dangers of diacetyl.

Diacetyl is a naturally occurring chemical compound, produced during the fermentation process of alcohol. When added to food products it can impart a smooth buttery taste and aroma. Before the dangers of diacetyl were discovered this attribute made it an especially valuable flavor additive to the microwave popcorn industry.

What Kind of Popcorn Has Diacetyl?

Due to the characteristic buttery feel that diacetyl gives to microwavable popcorn, virtually every brand used it for flavoring before the dangers of diacetyl came to light. ConAgra, which produces several popular brands; including Orville Redenbacher, Act II, Jiffy Pop, and Vogel Popcorn, has since announced it no longer produces popcorn containing diacetyl.

Removing diacetyl seems to have been motivated solely by consumer concerns about the product. The substitute flavoring many of the manufacturers now use is usually a diacetyl derivative that may pose the same dangers of diacetyl to popcorn workers. In 2010 OSHA issued an alert which recommend that employers use safety measures to avoid undue exposure of employees to butter flavorings containing diacetyl.

Diacetyl and Lung Problems

The dangers of diacetyl are due to inhalation causing irritation in parts of the lung called bronchioles. When they are repeatedly inflamed due to exposure, scar tissue is formed decreasing lung capacity. For workers who tested microwavable popcorn, breathing in the fumes, this occurred on a daily basis. The effects of popcorn lung are irreversible.

Symptoms of popcorn lung include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Persistent dry cough

Untreated Popcorn Lung is fatal, but when detected early, intervention with steroids and immune system repressing drugs can alleviate symptoms. However, there is no cure for the disease, and a lung transplant is often necessary.

Contact a Popcorn Lawyer Today

If you are a popcorn factory worker who has been diagnosed with Popcorn Lung or has noted the symptoms, you should consult with a popcorn lung lawyer. Popcorn containing diacetyl has resulted in lawsuits against the manufacturer, and you too may be able to receive substantial compensation for you injuries.

Contact an experienced popcorn lung attorney today.

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