When Popcorn Fumes Become Toxic
By Robert Warne - October 5, 2001Four lung transplants and 16 workers’ compensation claims later, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is looking into a popcorn problem that gives new meaning to the term "lung butter."
Employees working in the Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. plant in Jasper, MO have developed irreversible lung damage. The workers most affected have been exposed to the artificial butter flavoring while producing packaged microwave popcorn. These employees directly inhaled the vapors generated while the butter mixture cooked.
The problem supposedly doesn’t put the average microwave popcorn partaker at any risk, but does present a significant health hazard to those manufacturing the artificial butter flavoring.
The investigation began after it was discovered that eight employees had developed the lung damage known as bronchiolitis obliterans. Early indicators point to a chemical called diacetyl found in the artificial butter flavoring as one possible cause of the problems.
The 16 employees that filed WC claims have also filed a class-action lawsuit against International Flavors and Fragrances, the makers of the butter flavorings.
Another 21 employees at the plant show signs of lung deterioration. In the interim, employees are wearing respirators for protection. NIOSH is trying to determine whether this is an isolated epidemic or if similar conditions exist at other microwave popcorn manufacturing plants around the nation.
This is a black eye to one of America’s favorite snacks. This may be the time to revert back to Popcorn King Orville Redenbacher’s way of doing it—hot air poppers and only taking artificial to the point of using margarine.
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