What is Popcorn Lung

What is "Popcorn Lung"

Popcorn Lung is the common name for bronchiolitis obliterans, a degenerative and non-reversible disease of the lungs. This disease inflames and blocks the bronchioles, or the tiny airway branches in the lungs, not allowing air to pass through to the bloodstream. This disease is rare, but can be caused by the inhalation of diacetyl, a popular industrial chemical and food flavoring.

This condition came to public attention in 2000 when several workers at a microwave popcorn plant developed similar symptoms and similar diagnoses. After surveying the plant and medical histories, a recommendation to provide respiratory protection was made by OSHA.

Since 2000, a handful of consumers have developed popcorn lung from repeated exposure to buttered-flavored microwave popcorn. The food additive diacetyl was deemed the culprit, and today, many manufacturers are still using this additive in their microwave popcorn.

Popcorn Lung Symptoms & Treatment

Symptoms of Popcorn Lung include dry coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Standard lung capacity is normally around 80%; popcorn lung reduces capacity drastically, often down to 18-21%. Diagnosis of popcorn lung includes chest x-rays, lung capacity tests, lung volume tests, and lung biopsies. There is no known treatment for popcorn lung. Bronchiolitis obliterans is irreversible and severe cases require a lung transplant.
Popcorn Lung Litigation

Contact the Rasansky Law Firm for a complimentary consultation on your situation. Our Dallas-based attorneys strongly advocate for the victims of popcorn lung, bronchiolitis obliterans, and diacetyl exposure nationwide. We enable our clients to recover for their injuries, pain and suffering, medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other losses sustained.
We demand strict professional standards. Our Dallas-based attorneys are among the best personal injury lawyers and have resolved many multi-million dollar personal injury cases. We are passionate about our role as advocates and treat our clients with complete respect and compassion. We are committed to utilizing all available legal advantages and tactic to successfully resolve your personal injury claim.