FACT SHEET: DIACETYL and “POPCORN LUNG"
The chemical diacetyl, used to make artificial butter flavoring in microwave popcorn, has been linked to a respiratory disease called "popcorn lung" that has affected food processing workers across the country.
“Popcorn lung,” or bronchiolitis obliterans, is a severe, disabling, and often fatal lung disease experienced by food processing workers who produce or handle diacetyl. Tens of thousands of food processing workers may be exposed to the dangers of diacetyl and other similar chemicals that, in addition to popcorn, are used to impart the taste of butter in pastries, frozen foods, candy and even dog food.
OSHA Has Failed to Protect Workers
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has failed to set standards to protect workers from chemical hazards such as diacetyl, and its standard making process is broken.
In July 2006, the UFCW and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters petitioned OSHA for a standard to regulate diacetyl. The petition was accompanied by a supportive letter from 42 of the nation’s leading occupational safety and health scientists and experts. In August 2007, U.S. Representatives George Miller, Major Owens, and Hilda Solis sent a letter to OSHA supporting the union petition. OSHA has not responded to the petition.
In August 2007, OSHA launched a “Special Emphasis Program” involving inspections of all popcorn manufacturing facilities in the United States. However, the program does not cover flavor manufacturing facilities where a large number of “popcorn lung” cases have been identified.
Legislative Action: H.R. 2693, the ‘‘Popcorn Workers Lung Disease Prevention Act’’
By a vote of 260 to 154, the U.S. House of Representatives on September 26, 2007 approved legislation intended to protect workers in food processing plants.
H.R. 2693 requires OSHA to issue an interim final standard to minimize worker exposure to diacetyl. The standard would contain provisions for engineering controls, respiratory protection, exposure monitoring, medical surveillance and worker training. The interim standard applies to popcorn manufacturing and packaging, as well as the food flavorings industry.
OSHA would then be required to issue a final standard within two years. This final standard would apply to all locations where workers are exposed to diacetyl.
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