Diacetyl-induced bronchiolitis obliterans is a serious and rare lung disease, associated with inhaling a butter flavoring once common in microwave popcorn. Workers in the popcorn industry began developing this disease at significantly higher rates than the general population, leading major manufacturers to discontinue using the chemical. The disease was at one time called "Popcorn Worker's Lung."
Identification
In bronchiolitis obliterans, the smallest lung airways (bronchioles) become progressively more scarred and narrowed, causing breathing problems.
Symptoms
The main symptoms include dry cough, wheezing, and worsening shortness of breath during exertion, according to the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Symptoms usually develop gradually, but can occur suddenly in some people.
Significance
The workers may experience a slow improvement of lung function once they are no longer exposed to flavoring vapors, but usually some degree of lung dysfunction continues, NIOSH cautions. Severe cases require lung transplants.
Diacetyl
A study published in a 2008 issue of Toxicologic Pathology found that a chemical used in microwave popcorn flavoring, diacetyl, damaged the respiratory tracts of rats. Manufacturers of popcorn brands Orville Redenbacher, Jolly Time and others discontinued use of diacetyl.
Consumers
The condition is not linked to consumer use, but one individual has sued the stores where he bought microwave popcorn after being diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans, as reported by the Associated Press in January 2008. He stated he previously ate two bags of microwave popcorn a day.
Tags: microwave popcorn, bronchiolitis obliterans
