PRESS ARTICLES

Associated Press, "Popcorn worker's lawsuit claims lung damage"

Associated Press, "Lawsuits could mount in popcorn factory lung problems"

         Several lawsuits have followed a federal study that found breathing problems among popcorn plant workers exposed to butter flavoring, and lawyers say more lawsuits may be on the way. Earlier this year, a jury ordered the company that makes the flavoring to pay a worker in Joplin, Mo., $20 million in damages. Eric Peoples, 32, of Carthage, Mo., claimed he had developed bronchial obliterans, more commonly called "popcorn packer's lung." More...

Associated Press, "Worker says breathing butter flavoring damaged lungs"

         A worker at the Sioux City factory that makes Jolly Time microwave popcorn has filed a lawsuit claiming that butter flavoring he breathed on the job damaged his lungs. Kevin Remmes, of Sioux City, claimed that the manufacturers of the flavoring didn't provide instructions for its handling and use. The flavoring contains diacetyl, a chemical linked to a rare respiratory disease known as bronchiolitis obliterans, commonly known as popcorn packer's lung. More...

Associated Press, "Third trial set this month in popcorn flavoring lawsuits"

          The third trial involving claims that butter flavoring used at a popcorn factory caused disabling lung injuries to workers is scheduled to begin later this month. The lawsuits of four former employees, and a spouse of one of the employees, have been combined for a trial that is scheduled to begin June 14. More...

Associated Press, "Settlement is reached in popcorn plant trial"

          Attorneys announced a confidential settlement Friday just moments before a jury was set to announce a verdict in the second of a series of suits from people who claim a butter flavoring used at the popcorn factory where they worked caused disabling lung injuries. Details of the settlement were not disclosed, but the attorney for sick worker Linda Redman said he was pleased. More...

Monterey County Herald, "Danger for Popcorn Workers; Health Workers Try to Determine Extent of Illnesses"

          "We know that butter flavorings are very widely used," said Dr. Gregory Wagner, director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s Division of Respiratory Disease Studies. "What we don't know is how much injury has occurred." More...

Patient Care Law Weekly, "Popcorn worker awarded $20 million in lawsuit over lung damage"

          Eric Peoples cradled his wife and wept after a jury agreed that vapors from butter flavoring at the microwave popcorn factory where he once worked had permanently ruined his lungs. Peoples said his tears didn't only come out of satisfaction with the $20 million verdict. He also was thinking of the 29 other former workers at the Gilster-Mary Lee plant in Jasper who have cases pending against the same butter-flavoring manufacturers. More...

April 10, 2004

The Tribune (Port St. Lucie/Fort Pierce, FL), "Ohio man's lungs crippled by vapors at popcorn plant, doctors say"

          A coughing fit jerks Keith Campbell's body tight, as if he's being strangled by invisible demons. When the spasm passes, he leans his head back into his worn orange recliner and closes his eyes to let the dizziness pass. More...

Medical Letter from the CDC & FDA, "EPA examines link between microwave popcorn and lung disease"

         The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is studying the chemicals released into the air when a bag of microwave popcorn is popped or opened. Exposure to vapors from butter flavoring in microwave popcorn has been linked to a rare lung disease contracted by factory workers in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has said it suspects the chemical diacetyl caused the illnesses. More...

St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Missouri), "Snack Food: Is It Hurting Workers Who Make It?"

WHAT'S KNOWN: Vapors from butter flavoring used in microwave popcorn put factory workers at risk for developing lung disease.

WHAT'S FEARED: These dangers could also affect workers who make candy, snack cakes and potato chips that use the flavoring. More...