What is Popcorn Lung Disease?
In an attempt to cater to health conscious consumers, manufacturers of microwave popcorn found a way to reduce the amount of fat and calories used in their products. They began to use a chemical called Diacetyl, which produces butter-like flavoring. While this chemical is safe to consume in moderation, when inhaled in large amounts it can be extremely dangerous.
*IMPORTANT* Most microwave popcorn manufacturers have agreed to stop using Diacetyl in their products; however, new studies suggest that Diacetyl Substitutes are just as dangerous and have similar side effects as Diacetyl.
Am I at risk of developing Popcorn Lung Disease?
Fortunately, popcorn lung is a rare disease. If you are a casual consumer of popcorn you most likely have nothing to worry about. The following types of people may have an increased risk of developing popcorn lung:
- Those who have inhaled a considerable amount of Diacetyl or Diacetyl substitute, through years of microwave popcorn consumption.
- NOTE: Diacetyl is a chemical used broadly and is found in many foods other than microwave popcorn, such as packaged popcorn, milk, butter, cookies, crackers, chocolate, cocoa, powder, candy, potato chips, corn chips, margarine, shortening. oils, oil sprays, gelatin desserts, flavoring extracts, syrups, etc.
- Process workers involved in the production, manufacturing, and packaging of Diacetyl or Diacetyl substitute.
What are common symptoms of Popcorn Lung Disease?
- Bronchiolitis Obliterans (this is the medical term for popcorn lung)
- Shortness of breath
- Dry cough
- Wheezing
- Asthma
Am I eligible for substantial legal compensation?
- If you currently or previously worked in a factory that manufacturers or packages microwave popcorn (or Diacetyl directly) you may be at increased risk of developing popcorn lung disease and may be eligible for substantial legal compensation.
- If you have a long history of microwave popcorn consumption that includes the inhalation of substantial amounts of steam produced by microwave popcorn and have symptoms consistent with those listed above, you may be entitled to substantial legal compensation.
- Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options. Cates Law is extremely successful in this type of litigation and will do everything possible to get you the justice and compensation that you deserve.
