Diacetyl Lung Disease Attorneys

Diacetyl – Popcorn Lung

Diacetyl is a butter flavoring that is commonly used in microwave popcorn and other foods. However, diacetyl has debilitating effects when its vapors are breathed into the lungs in large enough doses. Lung disease, specifically bronchioltis obliterans, can result from exposure to diacetyl. Bronchiolitis obliterans is characterized by airway obstruction, lung inflammation, and even scarring of the lung tissue. Symptoms include shortness of breath, a propensity for wheezing, and a dry cough.

The Occupational and Health Safety Adminstration (OSHA) has recognized diacetyl as detrimental to human health. Diacetyl irritates the eyes, throat, and nasal passage, and even initiated a National Emphasis Program (NEP) to help police the usage of diacetyl and ensure that work environment conditions are maintained as safe as possible to promote employee health and prevent diacetyl illness from occurring. In an official announcement that discussed the dangers of diacetyl, OSHA discussed a study of diacetyl in the workplace:

"In January, 2006, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released an investigative report on a microwave popcorn production facility. Several employees from this facility were diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans – a severe obstructive lung disease. Following a number of lung function tests and air sampling, NIOSH determined that inhalation exposure to butter flavoring chemicals is a risk for occupational lung disease."

The aforementioned case study was in direct violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which deems employers responsible for providing a safe workplace for their employees, specifically by always adhering to OSHA standards and keeping employee health and safety at the forefront of all decisions made in regard to the work environment. If an employer fails to do this, then that employer is responsible for all ailments and injuries that result out of its unwillingness to promote safety, and can be held liable for compensatory damages that result out of that unwillingness.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has become sick as a result of diacetyl poisoning, it's important to realize that the skilled attorneys at Anapol Schwartz can assist you in all facets of your case. Our knowledgeable environmental law attorneys will examine the circumstances surrounding your illness, and will determine negligible parties, holding those parties responsible for their actions in a court of law. Please contact us today for a free consultation, and we will see to it that your rights are not trampled upon in your diacetyl illness lawsuit.

CALL TODAY 866.735.2792