Butter kills… even if you just sniff it

by Kris   ⋅   May 7, 2007   ⋅   Comment now   ⋅    RSS

Popcorn workers lung is no laughing matter, in fact, those affected can barely laugh at all. Bronchiolitis obliterans is a rare irreversible form of lung disease which rapidly suffocates the afflicted by destroying his/her lungs. A lung transplant is the only cure. Over the past five years over $100 million in lawsuit compensation have been paid to popcorn employees, with an artificial butter flavoring chemical diacetyl the culprit. Diacetyl, or butanedione, naturally occurs during fermentation. It is slippery and contributes to the California “Butter Bomb” type Chardonnays. Over prolonged periods of time, the deadly chemical penetrates through face masks, leaving even the seemingly protected vulnerable. The Food and Drug Administration has posted diacetyl on its “generally recognized as safe” list despite lack of thorough research to back that statement up. Not surprising. But could the dangers extend to the consumer? The Environmental Protection Agency has studied the fumes exuding from a freshly microwaved bag, but is waiting for the major companies to review before publicizing their findings. I don’t have to wait to know that ingesting or inhaling a heated chemical is bad news. Blech.

Source: Washington Post

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