Butter flavoring chemicals can cause workers to suffer permanent lung damage.
In 2000 government investigations revealed that workers exposed to chemical butter flavorings are at risk for developing serious lung diseases.
Safety and Health Information Bulletin:
The bulletin disclosed the health risk of butter flavorings:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted an investigation of a microwave popcorn processing facility. NIOSH researchers concluded that lung disease including the sometimes deadly disease, bronchiolitis obliterans was most likely caused by occupational exposure to butter-flavoring ingredients. Diacetyl, a butter-flavoring chemical, was the predominant chemical isolated.
Exposure: breathing butter flavorings:
• Worked in the mixing room where butter flavorings and oil are mixed
• Others had worked on the packaging lines where popcorn and the oil/flavorings mixture are added to microwaveable bags and packaged for shipment
• Workers with direct exposure in the candy and baking industry have also been afflicted
Symptoms:
Include cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath with exertion. Symptoms usually have a gradual onset, but in some cases severe symptoms have occurred suddenly with rapid progression of lung disease. Symptoms generally do not improve when employees go home for the weekend or go on vacation.
The lung disease is usually characterized by limitations on exhaling/breathing out. Usual findings are fixed airways obstruction when exhaling. Some workers have also had findings of restriction, a decreased ability to expand the lungs when inhaling. Airways obstruction is diagnosed when the person tested has difficulty blowing air out of the lungs. A fixed obstruction means that there is no improvement in lung function even after administration of asthma medication (i.e., bronchodilators). In some instances, lung function tests have indicated that employees had fixed airways obstruction even in the absence of respiratory symptoms.
Frequently your doctors miss the connection between exposure to butter flavorings and your lung  disease. Commonly the conditions confused with popcorn flavoring diseases include asthma.
YOUR CLAIM MAY BE THREATENED BY THE BANKRUPTCY
One to the major diacetyl producers, Chemtura Corporation has declared bankruptcy. Chemtura distributed to users through Citus and Allied Essences LTD.
The diacetyl was relabeled with the Citrus and Allied label.
Citrus and Allied sometimes use their initials:
C & A IP INC
LAKE SUCCESS NY
US 11042
If you have been exposed to butter flavorings, and have suffered significant lung problems, learn  about your right to seek compensation. Please contact us through our online form or by dialing 1-800-664-1734.
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