Diacetyl Chemical Danger: We eat popcorn with great gusto while watching a movie, which increases the fun of the movie, but do you know that it is also dangerous for you? Let us tell you how.

Microwave Popcorn Side Effects: Popcorn is almost everyone's favorite snack while watching movies or enjoying sports. It is generally considered healthy because it contains fiber and antioxidants. But do you know that microwave popcorn can be dangerous for your lungs? The answer is yes, this habit costs a person in America so much that he got a serious illness, and later the court gave him compensation of 7.2 million dollars (about Rs 51 crore). Let us tell you about it. 

What was the matter?

In 2012, a man named Wayne Watson, a resident of Colorado, USA, claimed that he suffered from a serious disease called "popcorn lung". Watson used to eat two packets of microwave popcorn every day for about 10 years. The special thing was that before eating the popcorn, he used to open the packet and smell its hot steam thoroughly.

Investigation revealed that the vapor contained a chemical called Diacetyl, which was used in artificial butter flavoring. This chemical is considered safe to eat, but when inhaled, it causes severe damage to the lungs. The court accepted that this was the cause of Watson's illness and awarded him compensation.

What is popcorn lung?

Popcorn lung (Bronchiolitis Obliterans) is a disease in which the small tubes of the lungs become narrow and get scarred. Due to this, the patient starts having persistent cough, shortness of breath and whistling sound. This disease is irreversible, that is, it cannot be cured completely. In severe cases, the patient may have to undergo oxygen therapy or lung transplant.

How was it revealed?

This issue first came to light in the early 2000s when workers working in microwave popcorn factories in America suddenly started having serious lung problems. Investigations revealed that the cause was the same diacetyl vapor. After this, major companies in America started removing this chemical from their popcorn products from 2007.

How much is the danger now?

Nowadays most companies do not use diacetyl, but caution is still necessary. If you eat microwave popcorn, do not breathe the steam that comes out when you open the bag. First leave the packet open for a few seconds so that the steam can escape.

There is danger elsewhere too

Not only popcorn, but this chemical has also been found in e-cigarettes and some food processing industries. If you work in a place where these flavoring chemicals are used, it is important that your employer follows the safety rules of agencies like OSHA and NIOSH. This includes regular checking of ventilation and air. Doctors say that if you are having persistent cough or shortness of breath, get it checked immediately. Popcorn lung can be prevented but once it happens, it is difficult to cure it completely. Therefore, whether it is popcorn or vaping, inhaling vapor and smoke directly can always be dangerous.