Parker Waichman LLP

Diacetyl Shown to Damage Lungs of Lab Mice

Diacetyl, a chemical linked to the development of a serious disorder known as Popcorn Workers Lung, has been shown to cause lung damage in lab mice.  Popcorn Workers Lung, also known as obliterative bronchiolitis, is a debilitating but rare lung disease, which has been detected recently in workers who inhale significant concentrations of the flavoring […]

Diacetyl, a chemical linked to the development of a serious disorder known as Popcorn Workers Lung, has been shown to cause lung damage in lab mice.  <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/popcorn_workers_lung">Popcorn Workers Lung, also known as obliterative bronchiolitis, is a debilitating but rare lung disease, which has been detected recently in workers who inhale significant concentrations of the flavoring in microwave popcorn packaging plants.

Diacetyl is used to give microwave popcorn and other snacks a buttery flavor. In 2003 and 2004, the National Institute on Occupational Safety and Health found an association between the toxic substance and the development of Popcorn Workers Lung among hundreds of workers at six Midwestern popcorn factories. Last April, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that workers at food flavoring factories, as well as popcorn plants, were at risk for the disease.

Popcorn Workers Lung is a potentially life threatening ailment, for which the only cure is a lung transplant. The disease was thought to be limited to people working in the flavorings industry. But last July, Dr. Cecile Rhodes informed the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) that one of her patients had contracted the disease. The patient had been consuming several bags of butter-flavored microwave popcorn on a daily basis for at least 15 years. According to the CDC, this is the first report of Popcorn Workers Lung in a consumer.  That victim has since filed a lawsuit against the company that produced the microwave popcorn he favored.

This latest diacetyl study was conducted by scientists at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health.  Lab mice were made to inhale diacetyl vapors over a three month time period.  The mice developed lymphocytic bronchiolitis — a potential precursor of Popcorn Workers Lung.  None of the mice, however, developed that disease.

“This is one of the first studies to evaluate the respiratory toxicity of diacetyl at levels relevant to human health. Mice were exposed to diacetyl at concentrations and durations comparable to what may be inhaled at some microwave popcorn packaging plants,” Daniel L. Morgan, Ph.D., head of the Respiratory Toxicology Group at the NIEHS said in a press release.

Dr. Morgan co-authored on the diacetyl study that appears online in the journal, Toxicological Sciences. The study was done in collaboration with Duke University researchers.  The authors conclude that these findings suggest that workplace exposure to diacetyl contributes to the development of Popcorn Workers Lung in humans, but more research is needed.

In 2007, several makers of microwave popcorn, including ConAgra, General Mills and American Popcorn Co., took steps to remove diacetyl from their products.  There has also been a movement to convince federal regulators to police the use of diacetyl in the workplace, but those efforts have had mixed results.  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which sets limits on how much of a dangerous substance a worker can be subjected to, said in 2000 that it had no standards for the flavoring and that it wasn’t a problem because the FDA considered diacetyl “safe.”   For its part, the FDA has maintained that it has no jurisdiction to evaluate hazards posed by breathing vapors from food additives.   It was only last year that OSHA started to investigate diacetyl exposure in snack food industry workers, and that agency is expected to look into setting standards for workers next month.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Hi my name is Jillian and I was represented by Michelle Josama and she was absolutely fantastic she is approachable she’s cordial she’s respectful knowledgeable and she gets the job done if anyone needs someone to represent them Michelle Josama is the one thank you so much Michelle and God bless you you’re doing a great work
Gillian Doeman
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
So grateful for the great team at Parker Waichman. Julie, Maryann and Jorge were there for me from the very beginning treating me like family. They kept full communication with me through the entire process and took all the weight off my shoulders. Thanks again to you all!
Jorbel Mateo
2 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I thank you all for your concern and great service to me leading to a final decision and compensation. Everything worked out for the best with your professional help and service. Gina Viti was the best! Thank you again!
Richard P LoPresti
3 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038