Bronchiolitis Obliterans, in some cases nicknamed “popcorn lung”, is a disease of the lungs that is characterized by an obstruction of a fixed airway. When the onset of scarring and inflammation takes place in small lung airways, it sometimes leads to severe shortening of breath. While several known causes of the disease exist, one of the causes includes inhaling particular chemicals. Employees in microwave popcorn manufacturing and packaging facilities are sometimes exposed to dangerous ingredients present in flavorings and have been known to develop the disease. If you are reading this article because you or a family member has been diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans related to microwave popcorn, it is important that you seek sound legal advice on how best to pursue full financial recovery for your injuries and losses. This disease can cause a person to become disabled and unable to return to work; a personal injury lawyer will protect a family’s rights while building a solid legal case in their behalf.

Flavorings that are found in various food products typically contain numerous combinations of both manmade and natural ingredients and when inhaled in the form of dust, sprays and vapors, can result in severe lung disease. Recent studies indicate that a buttery flavoring mixture containing a chemical called diacetyl may the cause of popcorn lung disease. Numerous manufacturers of microwave popcorn announced they were working on the removal of the food additive from their flavorings, but unfortunately for a few, the efforts are too little, too late. As reported by ABC News, popcorn lung was diagnosed in an individual who consumed large amounts of microwavable popcorn.

Studies on animals have been conducted related to the chemical diacetyl; findings indicate injury to the airway in rats following intense inhalation of vapors. Until a few years ago, physician believed symptoms that are associated with exposure to flavoring chemicals developed because of smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, etc. Symptoms include a dry cough and shortening of breath upon exertion. Unfortunately symptoms are not known to improve in most cases when a worker stays away from the plant where the product is produced and/or packaged. The onset of bronchiolitis obliterans is typically gradual and continues to progress, but a few have experienced rapid onset of symptoms. Additional symptoms can include night sweats, fever, loss of weight and irritation of the skin, throat, eyes or nose.

If flavoring chemicals have caused you or a loved one to experience symptoms related to flavoring chemical exposure, seek medical care immediately. Then contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who will explain your legal options for maximum financial recovery.

The Elite Lawyer Project personal injury lawyers listed on this site provide a free and confidential case review. If  you live in Atlanta, Baltimore, Long Island, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Seattle, Cincinnati, Tampa, Philadelphia, New York or any place else in the U.S., call NOW for your free case review.