Welcome to Pritzker | Ruohonen

Bronchiolitis Obliterans Linked to Diacetyl in Microwave Popcorn

Since at least 2000, when the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) investigated several cases of bronchiolitis obliterans in former workers of a microwave popcorn plant in Jasper, Missouri, manufacturers who produce and use flavorings have known of the inherent dangers associated with these flavorings, particularly diacetyl.  After years of further study, NIOSH issued a safety alert to employers recommending that they take measures to limit employees' occupational respiratory exposures to food flavorings and flavoring ingredients in workplaces where flavorings are made or used.  NIOSH provided these steps to reduce potential risks of occupational lung disease, bronchiolitis obliterans.  Not surprisingly, a 2006 study found that even low exposures to diacetyl can lead to bronchiolitis obliterans (Kanwal). 
 
Even after scientific evidence has linked bronchiolitis obliterans in workers to certain food flavorings and diacetyl, manufacturers keep using it.  Federal regulators let them.  And no federal agency looked into the potential threat to consumers, who breathe in the fumes from microwave popcorn, until the FDA finally decided to look into it this month (September 2006).  Obviously money comes before everything.

If you have bronchiolitis obliterans, you need to talk to a product liability lawyer.  Fred Pritzker has been practicing product liability law for over 29 years.  He is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. He has also achieved status as a Certified Civil Advocate from the National Board of Trial Advocacy and as a Certified Trial Specialist from the Minnesota State Bar Association. In recognition of his achievements, other lawyers have selected him for inclusion in the 2005-2006 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. To contact Fred Pritzker or another lawyer at Pritzker | Ruohonen regarding a free consultation, call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 , e-mail info@pritzkerlaw.com or fill out our online consultation form.

Source:  Kanwal, R., et al., Evaluation of flavorings-related lung disease risk at six microwave popcorn plants, Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 48(2): 149-157, 2006.


Free Case Consultation





Logos

Firm News

Pritzker | Ruohonen Newsletter

Pritzker | Ruohonen is now publishing its newsletters online. Sign up today to receive the newsletter via email. Read our newsletters: Feb/March 2008 and April/May 2008.

 

Yamaha Rhino Lawsuit

NBC affiliate KSBY interviewed Fred Pritzker regarding Yamaha Rhino rollovers. There has not been a Yamaha Rhino recall.

 

Rich Ruohonen Interviewed by Lawyers USA

Attorney Rich Ruohenon was interviewed by Lawyers USA for an article on lawnmower accident lawsuits involving defective lawnmowers.

 

Fred Pritzker Listed in The Best Lawyers in America

Fred Pritzker has been notified that he will again be listed in The Best Lawyers in America for his work in personal injury and wrongful death litigation.

 

Pain and Suffering

Rich Ruohonen recently chaired a legal seminar on obtaining compensation for pain and suffering in a personal injury case. Rich uses his knowledge, experience, and reputation to maximize recoveries for clients.

 

Attorney Rich Ruohonen Has Article Published

Rich Ruohonen has written a ground-breaking article on traumatic brain injury entitled "Debunking the Top 10 Myths of Traumatic Brain Injury: Effective Cross Examination of the Defense Neuropsychologist."

 

Traumatic Brain Injury

Pritzker | Ruohonen attorneys Fred Pritzker, Rich Ruohonen and Elliot Olsen spoke at the annual Minnesota Association for Justice Brain Injury Seminar. They represent brain injury survivors in product liability cases throughout the nation.