Microwave popcorn and Lung cancer

November 10, 2003

I wonder if this is caused by soy oil that they put on the pop corn?

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Lung illness linked to popcorn plant air

10/10/03

Associated Press

Marion, Ohio- Several employees of a microwave-popcorn plant have shown

symptoms of lung disease, leading federal health investigators to recommend

that respirators be provided to prevent workers from breathing chemicals

used in butter flavorings.

Abnormal lung function was found in 29 of the workers at the ConAgra Snack

Foods Group who volunteered to be tested, according to a report by the

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a division of the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Investigators said in the report, dated last week, that those workers had

" evidence of lung disease of the same type seen in workers who mix oil and

flavorings in other microwave-popcorn plants. "

About 65 percent of the 205 employees at the plant 42 miles north of

Columbus took part in the tests.

The company already has complied with some recommended changes, including

providing res pirators for some employees and reducing the amount of

ingredients in the air, plant spokesman Bob McKeon said yesterday.

" We believe that our microwave-popcorn is completely safe to manufacture,

supply and consume, " McKeon said.

The investigation found abnormally high levels of shortness of breath in

young workers, both smokers and nonsmokers alike, and of asthma in young

nonsmokers.

" Seventy-two percent of those people smoke, " McKeon said. " You know, smoking

might have something to do with this. "

Among recommendations in the report was that ConAgra develop a

smoking-cessation program for its workers.

The investigation began nine months after the CDC issued a report detailing

serious lung disease in workers at a Jasper, Mo., popcorn plant owned by

another company.

Investigators' main concern is a chemical called diacetyl that, when combine

d with other flavoring ingredients, has been shown to be toxic in animals,

according to the agency.

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