Over the past two decades, safety officials have increased their attention towards diacetyl and its potential role in causing bronchiolitis obliterans, commonly known as “popcorn lung.” Initial concerns arose when popcorn factory workers exhibited serious lung issues by breathing in diacetyl-the buttery-flavored chemical widely used in foods. However, diacetyl continues to be found in many everyday consumer food products, raising concerns that consumers may be unknowingly exposing themselves and their families to an increased risk of popcorn lung.

Popcorn lung is a serious and irreversible condition. Despite the well-known consequences of inhaling or consuming diacetyl, many consumers and workers continue to be exposed to this dangerous chemical compound. Those who have developed popcorn lung from exposure or consumption of diacetyl may have a claim for compensation against a negligent employer or product manufacturer. As we’ve discussed in previous posts, consumer products companies have a legal duty to ensure the products they create are safe as well as to warn consumers about all known risks associated with a product. If a company’s product is dangerous, defective or presents an undisclosed risk of harm, it may be liable through a product liability lawsuit.

Popcorn Lung Lawsuits

Consumers who believe they developed popcorn lung as a result of exposure to diacetyl found in common household goods may be able to secure compensation for their injuries through a popcorn lung lawsuit. These claims are incredibly important for several reasons. First, successfully bringing a diacetyl lawsuit can provide consumers with meaningful compensation to ensure they are not responsible for their economic and non-economic damages related to their diagnosis. Additionally, popcorn lung lawsuits—as well as all product liability claims— send a clear message to large corporations that they cannot continue to profit by selling potentially dangerous products. In this way, product liability cases are critical to ensuring a safer community and reducing the number of dangerous products on supermarket shelves.

Why is Diacetyl Dangerous?

Diacetyl is a volatile chemical compound that imparts a buttery-like flavor and taste to various food products and electronic cigarettes (“e-cigs”). Diacetyl vapor causes toxic injury and necrosis of the nasal, tracheal and bronchial epithelium. Exposure to diacetyl can occur through consuming foods but also by inhaling or skin contact in the workplace while manufacturing artificial food flavorings. Exposure to diacetyl can cause the following injuries:

• Lung injuries,
• Eye, nose, and throat injuries,
• Skin injuries, and
• Alzheimer’s disease.

In an animal study, researchers found that inhaling these vapors can cause damage to the cell lining of the nose and respiratory tract. Moreover, scientists found that airborne exposure to products containing diacetyl may be responsible for cases of obstructive airway disease and bronchiolitis obliterans (popcorn lung). Despite these findings, many consumers and workers are unknowingly exposed to this dangerous compound.

Is Diacetyl Linked to Popcorn Lung?

A NIOSH investigation revealed a “high risk for occupational lung disease” for those with inhalation exposure to diacetyl. While much of the research has focused on exposure to butter flavorings, investigations of other workplaces that use diacetyl in their products have revealed similar findings. For example, workers or individuals exposed to other flavorings, such as butterscotch, vanilla, caramel, and strawberry, might also be at risk for developing popcorn lung. Additionally, popcorn lung has been associated with workers in the following places:

• Animal feed plants,
• Bakeries,
• Candy factories,
• Coffee roasting plants,
• E-cigarette plants, and
• Flavoring manufacturing plants.

Although a significant amount of data suggests that diacetyl is the responsible agent for these conditions, researchers continue to study whether there may be other relevant contributing factors.

Is Diacetyl FDA-Approved?

The FDA classifies diacetyl as “Generally Regarded as Safe” (GRAS). However, this designation does not account for the possibility that workers involved in manufacturing foods with this substance may suffer high concentrations of exposure to the food flavoring ingredients that do not include direct and intentional consumption. As a result, many safety advocacy groups and politicians have asked the FDA to remove diacetyl’s GRAS designation.

What Products Contain Diacetyl?

Historically diacetyl is most prevalent in processed foods that contain butter flavoring, such as the following:

• Butter,
• Butter sprays,
• Margarine,
• Shortening, and
• Oil sprays.

Further, some common products that might contain diacetyl include the following:

• Corn chips,
• Crackers,
• Popcorn, and
• Potato chips.

Diacetyl is also used as a brown artificial flavoring additive in products such as these:

• Candy,
• Chewing gum,
• Chocolate,
• Cocoa-flavor products,
• Cookies,
• Flour mixes,
• Frostings,
• Gelatin,
• Ice cream,
• Sauces,
• Soft drinks, and
• Syrup with flavoring.

The FDA notes that consumer food products containing diacetyl are not inherently dangerous. However, heating diacetyl can elicit a chemical reaction that poses significant health risks.

Does Vaping Cause Popcorn Lung?

Diacetyl is frequently added to vape juice or e-liquids as a flavor enhancer. Inhaling the vapors from e-cigarettes can cause airway inflammation and lead to popcorn lung.

How Do You Know You Have Popcorn Lung?

Popcorn lung is rare, but it can happen to anyone since it can result from an infection or exposure to diacetyl or other toxic substances. However, individuals who come into close contact with the toxic vapors are at a higher risk of developing popcorn lung.

The following signs and symptoms might be indicative of popcorn lung:

• Coughing,
• Fever,
• Night sweats,
• Shortness of breath,
• Skin rash, and
• Tiredness.

The disease progresses in stages, and some individuals might not show symptoms initially.

How to Diagnose Popcorn Lung?

Diagnosing popcorn lung can be challenging as the symptoms are common in other conditions. However, healthcare providers will generally order the following tests to diagnose popcorn lung:

• Bronchoscopy,
• Imaging tests,
• Lung biopsy, and
• Lung function tests.

Treatment for popcorn lung includes the following:

• Corticosteroids,
• Inhalers,
• Lung transplants, or
• Oxygen therapy.

The type and extent of treatment largely depend on the stage of the patient’s disease. However, unfortunately, there is no cure for popcorn lung, and most people require costly life-long care to manage their symptoms.