Popcorn usually leads to weight gain in our nation’s movie-going population, but in 2000, a Missouri doctor noticed a startling and growing trend stemming from several microwavable popcorn factories. A flavor additive that increases the buttery taste of popcorn can lead to a rare, life-threatening disease in the lungs of plant workers.

The culprit is diacetyl, a food-flavoring agent.

In 2007, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) began investigating the issue. What OSHA found was surprising – workers became ill due to prolonged exposure to diacetyl. What OSHA did about the problem was even surprising – little to nothing.

The organization failed to issue national warnings, inspect additional plants or even mandate safety standards to protect workers from the effects of diacetyl.

Popcorn workers in close contact with the chemical, either testing bags or simply being too close to the production were poisoned by the diacetyl in the factories and developed a disease called “popcorn lung.” Patients who experience this horrible disease usually develop a severe drop in lung capacity, making it much harder to breathe.

A 2007 New York Times article cites that a man who contracted the disease in his mid-40s displayed the lung capacity of an 80-year-old. The disease can without a doubt severely limit and affect ones life.

Hundreds of plan workers have become ill from diacetyl poisoning. We believe there was time to warn and protect these workers. At OSHA, the issue is high on the agenda of safety measures to move forward. OSHA is ramping up efforts to protect plant workers from “popcorn lung.”

The labor department has sped up the process of establishing rules to protect workers from exposure to the harmful chemical. Workers support the move, while business groups wonder if due diligence has been conducted regarding the cause of popcorn lung and risks of diacetyl.

We’re hopeful that plant workers will get protection and education on risks and symptoms associated with the disease. As it’s said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.