Popcorn Workers Lung Lawsuit

The inhalation of an additive once used in microwave popcorn was linked to a debilitating and sometimes fatal lung disease known as bronchiolitis obliterans, or “popcorn lung.” This respiratory ailment affected microwave popcorn workers across the U.S. as well as some heavy popcorn consumers.

STATUS OF POPCORN LUNG LAWSUITS: Millions of dollars in compensation have been recovered by popcorn factory workers and consumers who filed lawsuits over popcorn lung injuries.

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Popcorn Lung Lawsuit

OVERVIEW: Use of certain natural and artificial flavor products in microwave butter popcorn has been linked to the development of bronchilitis obliterans. This serious respiratory condition has become more commonly known as popcorn lung or popcorn worker lung, since it is often found among individuals who inhaled fumes while manufacturing microwave popcorn or in rare cases among non-workers who consumed large amounts of butter microwave popcorn.

Federal health officials have found a link between exposure to vapors from the butter flavors used to manufacture microwave popcorn and a severe injury to the airway. Although manufacturers of butter flavoring knew or should have known about the risk of lung problems for popcorn workers, they failed to provide adequate warnings or take steps to reduce the risk of exposure to vapors that can cause damage to the lungs, respiratory system or other respiratory illness.

POPCORN WORKERS LUNG: Also known as bronchiolitis obliterans, obliterative bronchiolitis or constrictive bronchiolitis, popcorn worker lung is a rare and irreversible lung disease. It can be caused by inhalation of vapors from the chemical diacetyl, which is used to give microwave popcorn its buttery flavor.

Popcorn lung causes scarring and inflammation in the bronchioles of the lung, which are small airways. This causes diminished lung capacity and breathing problems. Symptoms of popcorn worker lung can include:

• Severe Shortness of Breath
• Dry Cough
• Wheezing

The lung problems from microwave popcorn production can have a devastating impact on an individual’s quality of life and in severe cases may result in the need for a lung transplant. Popcorn worker lung can also cause death due to lung failure and complications.