More on death by popcorn

By way of follow up on a post from May:

Four of the biggest makers of microwave popcorn are working to remove a flavoring chemical from their products that's linked to a lung ailment in popcorn plant workers while reassuring consumers about the snack's safety.

On Tuesday, Denver's National Jewish Medical and Research Center warned that consumers also could be in danger from the buttery flavoring, diacetyl. Doctors there believe they have the first case of a consumer who developed lung disease from the fumes of microwaving popcorn several times a day for years.

From the Boston Globe, which also has more on that first consumer victim of popcorn-related lung disease:

Wayne Watson loved microwave popcorn so much he would eat at least two bags each night, breathing in the steam from the just-opened package, until doctors told him it may have made him sick.

His popcorn of choice was the extra-buttery variety.

Doctors tested Watson's home for levels of diacetyl fumes and found that while popcorn was microwaved in the kitchen, peak levels of the fumes were similar to those measured in factories, Rose said.

If in doubt, get the plain variety and butter it yourself.

Watson said he still craves popcorn but has taken his doctors' advice and snacks now on fruits and vegetables. He said his breathing has improved and he's lost 35 pounds. He no longer uses an inhaler or takes steroids.

His case of "popcorn lung" must have been relatively mild: the factory workers diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans required lung transplants.

Posted by David on September 6, 2007 8:59 AM