Personal Injury Law

Consumer Develops Popcorn Lung

By Jamie G. Goldstein

Wayne Watson filed a lawsuit against The Kroger Company after developing "popcorn lung." Popcorn lung, which is officially known as bronchiolitis obliterans, has in the past been associated with people who work in plants where popcorn is made. It is caused by inhaling the vapors from the popcorn flavoring.

The disease has also been linked to flavoring in baked goods and candy, but has only been found in factory workers, not consumers.

Watson's case is the first case where a consumer has developed popcorn lung. The disease is very serious and can cause a person to have to undergo lung transplant and can even cause death. After many factory workers became ill, lawsuits began being filed against manufacturers of popcorn. Some manufacturers have agreed to stop using Diacetyl, the chemical used in the flavoring that causes popcorn lung, however, changes are not being made quick enough and workers are still being exposed.

If you or someone you know works in a factory where flavoring is added to food and has become developed bronchiolitis obliterans, you should contact an attorney to learn about your legal rights. You should also inquire if you are a consumer who has developed this disease.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Full post as published by Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer on January 24, 2008 (boomark / email).