Popcorn Fume Dangers?

Okay, we all know that cigarette smoke, pollution, asbestos and fumes from cleaning supplies and other chemicals are dangerous to inhale and can cause lung disease. However, would you have ever thought that the buttery fumes that many of us crave could be potentially hazardous? A new study done by a doctor in a lung research hospital has recently warned of the dangers to consumers of microwaveable popcorn fumes. Previosuly, the dangers of diacetyl was only found in factory workers. This should raise an eye for all of us. There are dangerous toxins in the foods that we all consume.

The findings were found in July of 2007 by a pulmonary specialist at National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver. Dotors think that a patient now has lung disease from inhaling the fumes of microwaveable popcorn. This deadly lung disease is known as popcorn lung. Dr Cecile Rose says, "We cannot be sure that this patient's exposure to butter flavored microwave popcorn from daily heavy preparation has caused his lung disease." "However, we have no other plausible explanation." The proper name for the fatal disease is bronchiolitis obliterans. It is a rare and deadly respiratory disease.

The ingredient that is putting consumers and factory workers at risk is diacetyl. Diaceytl is a natural byproduct of fermentation. It is found in the butter flavoring of popcorn and the Federal Food and Drug Administration has approved its use in products. However, now it is recommended that the amount of diacetyl be reduced in products. Evidentally, lung disease traced to the use of diacetyl has been found previously in factory workers but not a general consumer. The patient had been consuming several bags of butter flavored popcorn a day for many years. The patient presented himself with complaints of coughing and shortness of breath that were getting worse. After ceasing the use of microwaveable popcorn, the patient's complaints seemed to get better. Diacetyl levels were measured in the patient's home and the findings were shocking. Basically, the levels were approximately the same as they are in the factory where workers are in direct , constant contact with diacetyl.

Purchasing popcorn that does not contain diacetyl is a safer way to consume this snack. To be on the safe side, you can always add butter, cheese or other flavorings after the popcorn has been cooked if necessary. Many popcorn manufacturers are also replacing the diacetyl with another buttery flavoring that is not harmful to consumer's repsiratory health when inhaled. It is nice to know that the food manufacturers are keeping the heatlh of consumers at thought.