The only known consumer to have developed the health condition known as "popcorn lung"is suing the stores that sold him his microwave popcorn, saying that they failed to warn him that he could become ill from using the product as intended.
Wayne Watson of Centennial, Colorado was diagnosed with a rare lung disease known as bronchiolitis obliterans, or popcorn lung. The disease is most common among workers in microwave popcorn factories, who are regularly exposed to the flavoring chemical diacetyl.
Diacetyl, a naturally occurring compound that gives butter its flavor, is known to damage the lungs when inhaled.
Wayne Watson of Centennial, Colorado was diagnosed with a rare lung disease known as bronchiolitis obliterans, or popcorn lung. The disease is most common among workers in microwave popcorn factories, who are regularly exposed to the flavoring chemical diacetyl.
Diacetyl, a naturally occurring compound that gives butter its flavor, is known to damage the lungs when inhaled.
After news of Watson's case emerged, the four largest microwave popcorn makers in the United States announced that they were phasing out nearly all use of diacetyl in their products.
While many lawsuits have been filed in the past by workers against popcorn manufacturers for the damaging effects of diacetyl, Watson instead has chosen to sue the stores that sold him the popcorn.
While many lawsuits have been filed in the past by workers against popcorn manufacturers for the damaging effects of diacetyl, Watson instead has chosen to sue the stores that sold him the popcorn.
