Popcorn Workers Lungs

Those with asthma and other respiratory disorders often cite fumes from microwave popcorn as triggering and exacerbating breathing problems. This has often been discounted as there was little scientific evidence to support respiratory concerns related to microwave popcorn. This has changed.

In 2000, a doctor specializing in occupational medicine described a cluster of workers in a microwave popcorn plant which had developed serious irreversible lung damage. Some of these workers are now on lung transplant lists.

While the level of exposure to consumers using the product is not likely to cause respiratory disease, those with asthma and other respiratory diseases are susceptible to adverse effects at much lower levels of exposure. Complaints of microwave popcorn as a trigger can not be discounted.

Popcorn Workers Lung and Bronchiolitis Obliterans

Fixed Obstructive Lung Disease in Workers at a Microwave Popcorn Factory --- Missouri, 2000--2002

NIOSH Evaluates Worker Exposures at a Popcorn Plant in Missouri

Is butter flavoring running popcorn workers' lungs?

Lung Disease in Workers at a Microwave Popcorn Factory