Popcorn Lung Disease Associated With Diacetyl
Popcorn Lung, also known as Bronchiolitis obliterans, is a serious lung condition in which the smallest airways in the lungs (bronchioles) become scarred and inflamed. The most serious cases of popcorn lung result in partial or complete compression of the airway due to inflammation, effectively making it impossible to breathe. This manifests similar to a terrible and potentially life-threatening case of asthma.
One of the flavoring ingredients in most microwaveable bags of popcorn, the chemical diacetyl has been implicated in causing bronchiolitis obliterans. This naturally-occurring chemical gives butter its unique taste, but too much pure diacetyl ingested through the nose and mouth may interact negatively with lung tissue.
The common title of ‘Popcorn Lung Disease’ might not sound very threatening, but it’s actually irreversible. The only possible solution is to get a lung transplant, a process that can be ultimately difficult because of the time involved and the low chances of finding a donor.
In September 2007, Conagra Foods, manufacturer of Act II and Orville Redenbacher microwaveable popcorn, claimed that it had replaced diacetyl with a different flavoring. However, a Spokane, WA man who, according to his attorney Richard Eymann, ate five to seven bags of popcorn a day, developed bronchiolitis obliterans in 2008. He filed suit against Conagra and all the companies responsible for the flavoring, claiming negligence. Conagra failed to warn consumers of the dangers inherent in their popcorn. In so doing, he became the first consumer to take legal action against Conagra as a result of Popcorn Lung.
Many food manufacturers are moving away from diacetyl in favor pentanedione, which has been shown to cause even more lung damage as a result of overexposure. In 2000, a study by NIOSH determined that factory workers were more likely to suffer chronic lung and airway disorders because of their constant exposure to diacetyl, which has prompted a recent increase in lawsuits.
While Conagra settled out of court with factory workers diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans, they are choosing to fight this lawsuit to the end. This case will finally be settled before a jury as early as next month, the result of which will set an important precedent for consumers of microwave popcorn across the country.
If you or a loved one has suffered chronic lung illnesses due to the chemical dicetyl, due to the consumption of buttered popcorn, please visit our web site for additional information regarding Popcorn Lung.
