Popcorn lung, otherwise known as bronchiolitis obliterans, is a rare and potentially life-threatening variation of non-reversible obstructive lung disease. Of significant concern, however, are recent reports that have established an association between this condition and the inhalation of diacetyl; a chemical used to produce the butter-like flavoring in many foods such as candy, microwave popcorn and wines. Subsequently, consumers exposed to copious amounts of diacetyl may significantly increase their risk of developing popcorn lung and any complications that may ensue.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with popcorn lung after inhaling diacetyl, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Popcorn Lung Lawsuit Overview
Popcorn lung, more recently known as bronchiolitis obliterans, is a rare and life-threatening form of non-reversible obstructive lung disease in which the bronchioles (small airway branches) are compressed and narrowed by fibrosis (scar tissue) and/or inflammation. Bronchiolitis obliterans is also sometimes used to refer to a particularly severe form of pediatric bronchiolitis caused by adenovirus.
In rare instances, popcorn lung may be caused by the excessive inhalation of airborne diacetyl, a chemical used to produce the butter-like flavoring in many foods. This first came to public attention when eight former employees of the Gilster-Mary Lee popcorn plant in Jasper, Missouri, developed popcorn lung. However, recent reports suggest that inhaling copious amounts of food treated with diacetyl may also be responsible for the development of this serious condition. Diacetyl may be found in the following products:
- Butter
- Wine
- Candy
- Beer
- Milk
- Mosquito repellent
Due to the increased association with bronchiolitis obliterans, consumers who have experienced respiratory complications following the ingestion or inhalation of diacetyl may be eligible to receive compensation for their suffering by filing a popcorn lung lawsuit.
Signs & Symptoms of Popcorn Lung
Popcorn lung is characterized as a lung disease in which their is an obstruction of the fixed airways. Restriction is the byproduct of inflammation and scar tissue that develop within the lungs themselves, resulting in a significant shortness of breath and dry cough. Symptoms of popcorn lung can occur suddenly and include:
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Popcorn Lung Lawsuit
In a recent popcorn lung lawsuit, plaintiff Wayne Watson sued Gilster-Mary Lee Corp., The Kroger Co. and Dillon Companies Inc. for neglecting to provide appropriate warnings that their products contain a dangerous ingredient known as diacetyl, a chemical responsible for the butter smell. Diacetyl has been associated with several severe conditions, including popcorn lung and most recently Alzheimer’s.
According to a testimonial, Watson ate approximately two bags of popcorn everyday for 10 years, and developed popcorn lung after inhaling copious amounts of this dangerous chemical. “They thought that no consumer would ever be exposed to enough of it to make a difference, well they rolled the dice and they lose,” Watson told ABC News. In the same interview, Watson acknowledged that he, on a good day, only had about 53 percent lung capacity. Upon the conclusion of litigation Watson’s popcorn lung lawsuit won him $7.2 million in compensation from the companies involved.
Do I Have a Popcorn Lung Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in popcorn lung lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with popcorn lung after being exposed to diacetyl, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.