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Defective Products
- CPSC Recalls
- Defective Product Recalls
- Toxic Substances
- Carbon Monoxide
- Diacetyl
- Asbestos
- News & Topics
- Yamaha Rhino Lawsuit
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OSHA Press Release Regarding Diacetyl
Below is a press release from OSHA regarding the dangers of diacetyl, a chemical used in microwave popcorn butter flavorings. Diacetyl has been associated with bronchiolitis obliterans, a serious lung disease, and death.
Pritzker | Ruohonen, a national personal injury law firm, is monitoring the developments regarding this dangerous chemical. Fred Pritzker has gained a national reputation in the area of product liability lawsuits and has been interviewed by the New York Times, the
Wall Street Journal, and other publications. In recognition of his accomplishments, other lawyers selected him for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America.
If you work or have worked in a plant that makes butter-flavored popcorn and you have lung disease (bronchiolitis obilterans), contact an attorney at Pritzker | Ruohonen about a diacetyl lawsuit, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.
U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA announces focus on health hazards of microwave popcorn butter flavorings containing diacetyl
April 24, 2007 -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced that it is initiating a National Emphasis Program (NEP) to address the hazards and control measures associated with working in the microwave popcorn industry where butter flavorings containing diacetyl are used.
"We recognize that there are potential occupational health hazards associated with butter flavorings containing diacetyl," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Edwin G. Foulke Jr. "Under this program, OSHA will target inspection resources to those workplaces where we anticipate the highest employee exposures to these hazards."
The NEP applies to all workplaces where butter flavored microwave popcorn is being manufactured.
In January, 2006, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released an investigative report on a microwave popcorn production facility. Several employees from this facility were diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans – a severe obstructive lung disease. Following a number of lung function tests and air sampling, NIOSH determined that inhalation exposure to butter flavoring chemicals is a risk for occupational lung disease. OSHA's National Emphasis Program will provide direction on inspection targeting and procedures, methods of controlling the hazard and compliance assistance.
The 24 states and two U.S. territories that operate their own OSHA programs are encouraged, but not required, to adopt a similar emphasis program.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health.
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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.