Beware Pocorn Lung Syndrome--Of Course Popcorn was too Good to be True

Well, it's happened again. One of our favorite snacks is a hidden killer. Yes, good old popcorn (low in calories and a good source of fiber) is suddenly at the center of a national health controversy. A chemical called "diacetyl," which is used to make artificial butter flavoring used in microwave popcorn, has now been linked to a dread respiratory disease called "popcorn lung" (the technical name is bronchiolitis obliterans).

Popcorn Lung has been detected in hundreds of people, mostly those working in microwave popcorn factories who work closely with the stuff. Labor unions and nationally recognized occupational health scientists are demanding that the federal government create an emergency safety standard for the chemical in the workplace to protect the masses.

Lest you think that this is an affliction affecting only a few individuals, sources indicate that flavoring manufacturers have already paid out more than $100 million as a result of lawsuits and claims by people sick with popcorn lung just in the past five years. One death has been confirmed due to the disease. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) the board that sets standards for workplace safety, including chemical exposure, has no standard for diacetyl.

On the bright side, it appears popcorn is still safe to eat at home. Just don't inhale directly from the bag, if you know what's good for you. Next week: Killer pickles.