New Research Suggests Microwave Popcorn Contains High Levels of Cancer-causing Chemicals

Nothing makes a movie better than popcorn. I love movie theater popcorn, even though it is very unhealthy. When I watch a movie at home, I like to bring some of that theater experience home by popping popcorn in the microwave. Unfortunately, I didn't know the dangers of microwave popcorn: According to new health research by the U.S. government, microwave popcorn contains chemical substances that can cause cancer and lung problems! In this health article, I'll explain the dangers of unhealthy microwave popcorn, and how to avoid it.

Health Dangers of Microwave Popcorn: Microwave Popcorn Causes Cancer?

Commercial popcorn companies often coat their microwave popcorn bags with a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which can cause cancer and tumors. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, "PFOA is present in microwave popcorn bag paper at amounts as high as 300 microg kg(-1)" (source). What's wrong with perfluorooctanoic acid in microwave popcorn bags? PFOA has been linked to a variety of illnesses and diseases in many different experiments. In one study using rats, health researchers concluded that small amounts of PFOA caused cancer and liver tumors (source). Because of research like this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is looking into PFOA's "full range of potential human health effects, including carcinogenicity and systemic toxicity" (source).

Health Dangers of Microwave Popcorn: Microwave Popcorn Causes Fatal Lung Disease?

Microwave popcorn can also cause fatal lung disease. That tasty, fake butter in your microwave popcorn bag contains a chemical called diacetyl. According to health scientists, "diacetyl is a commonly used food flavoring and is the primary constituent of artificial butter flavoring. There is compelling scientific evidence linking occupational exposure to diacetyl to bronchiolitis obliterans, a debilitating and sometimes fatal lung disease" (source).

How Can You Avoid the Health Dangers of Microwave Popcorn?

Worried about the health risks of microwave popcorn? Don't want cancer or fatal lung disease caused by chemicals in your microwave popcorn? Avoiding the dangers of microwave popcorn is easy: Pop your own popcorn at home!

I find that popping your own popcorn at home is healthier and tastier than commercial, microwaved popcorn. It's also easy and fast! All you need is a large pot on high heat. Throw in 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil and toss in a few popcorn kernels. When they pop, you know the pot is hot enough! Once its hot, throw in a third of a cup of organic popcorn and cover the pot. As the popcorn starts to pop, shake the pot to let steam escape and to let the unpopped popcorn kernels fall to the bottom of the pan. When the popping slows down, remove the pot quickly and pour the homemade popcorn into a bowl. Finish it off with a pinch of salt and butter. Enjoy your homemade popcorn, without the health dangers of microwave popcorn!