Diacetyl is a food flavoring commonly used in microwave popcorn to give it a buttery taste. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) currently does not regulate the use of diacetyl in the food industry, but it is beginning to look into it as more and more people are suffering from serious lung diseases. The Environmental Protection Agency is also investigating the chemical properties found in diacetyl after popcorn flavoring factory workers filed a lawsuit claiming they were injured by the chemical.

In May of 2007, the Washington Post reported about the rising number of cases of diacetyl-linked bronchiolitis obliterans in popcorn-flavoring plant workers. Bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as "popcorn workers lung," is a relatively rare and potentially fatal obstructive lung disease that causes victims to slowly suffocate in their own body.  There has at least been one death associated with popcorn workers lung.
Symptoms of bronchiolitis obliterans include:

• Fixed airway obstruction
• Scarring of the lung
• Inflammation of the lung
• Dry cough
• Shortness of breath
• Diminished lung capacity

The only treatment for bronchiolitis obliterans is a lung transplant.

 

Diacetyl lawsuits filed by popcorn flavoring workers: Diacetyl Injury

There have been a number of lawsuits filed by popcorn workers alleging diacetyl-linked bronchiolitis obliterans. In 2005 a Missouri jury awarded a worker $2.7 million due to the disease, and since 2002 flavoring manufacturers have paid victims over $100 million due to popcorn workers lung.

In July 2006 the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the United Food and Commercial Workers asked OSHA to enact a temporary standard of protection for popcorn flavoring workers in order to determine the potential hazardous effects of diacetyl.

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, or Cal/OSHA, is not waiting for the federal government to act. It has monitored workers in the states' 29 popcorn flavoring plants for the past two years, and discovered that eight workers have fixed obstructive lung disease, most of which was bronchiolitis obliterans. Furthermore, 22 workers have below-average lung capacity, which doctors often believe is the first step towards bronchiolitis obliterans.

If you or someone you know worked in the popcorn flavoring industry or snack food industry and was exposed to diacetyl you need to consult an attorney experienced in toxic tort litigation.   The initial symptoms of bronchiolitis obliterans are often confused with less dangerous conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, or bronchitis, so early diagnosis could be key to preventing further damage. Let our dedicated and aggressive attorneys help you get the justice you deserve.

Contact Us
Davis & Crump, P.C. is now handling claims for individuals who have been exposed to diacetyl and been diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans.  Davis & Crump, P.C. is experienced in product liability cases and settlements.   If you or a loved one has suffered bronchiolitis obliterans a/k/a popcorn lung after exposure to diacetyl, contact us at 1-800-277-0300 or send us an email at info@daviscrump.com.