The flavoring chemical diacetyl is found in most vape juices and e-cigarettes. Unfortunately, breathing diacetyl is a risk-factor for Popcorn Lung, an incurable lung disease that has injured hundreds of microwave-popcorn factory workers.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting “Popcorn Lung” induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by e-cigarettes or vaping, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
What is Popcorn Lung?
“Popcorn Lung”, also known as bronchiolitis obliterans, is an irreversible lung disease that inflames the smallest airways. It gained notoriety in the early 2000s when it was diagnosed in nearly 200 microwave-popcorn factory workers, including three who died.
What Flavoring Chemicals Cause Popcorn Lung?
OSHA investigators linked the illnesses to artificial butter in popcorn. The flavoring contains diacetyl, a volatile chemical that easily evaporates into the air. Breathing this chemical is highly irritating to the lungs, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
E-Cigarettes / Vaping Liquids and “Popcorn Lung”
Unfortunately, microwave popcorn is not the only product that contains diacetyl. It is also found in most e-cigarettes and vaping liquids, according to researchers at Harvard who analyzed vapors from 51 products. All but four of the products contained diacetyl or two other high-risk chemicals — acetoin or 2,3-pentanedione — that are sometimes used as substitutes for diacetyl.
- Diacetyl was found in 39 flavors (76%), up to 239 μg/e-cigarette. It is used in e-juice flavors like fruit, candy, cocktails, and more.
- Acetoin was found in 23 flavors (45%), up to 64 μg/e-cigarette.
- 2,3-Pentanedione was found in 46 flavors (90%), up to 529 μg/e-cigarette.
Popcorn Lung Lawsuits
By 2006, over $100 million had been awarded to popcorn factory workers who filed lawsuits. Plaintiffs accused employers of ignoring decades of evidence linking diacetyl and lung disease. In 2012, a man from Colorado was awarded $7.2 million after he was diagnosed with “Popcorn Lung” from eating two bags of microwave popcorn every day for a decade.
Signs & Symptoms of Popcorn Lung
The early symptoms of “Popcorn Lung” may be subtle, and the disease usually progresses gradually over several years. In rare cases, severe and disabling symptoms appear suddenly. Symptoms may include:
- Dry cough
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation
Diagnosis
A lung biopsy is the most conclusive way to diagnose “Popcorn Lung.” It involves surgery to remove part of the lung and examine tissue under a microscope. “Popcorn Lung” can be misdiagnosed as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Treatments
With early diagnosis, treatments are often effective at stabilizing the progression of the disease. These treatments may include corticosteroids and immunosuppressive medications. In severe cases, a lung transplant may be necessary. Transplants are a last resort because there are few available organs and a high risk of complications.
Popcorn Lung Class Action
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is nationally recognized as a class action law firm. However, our lawyers are not currently filing a class action lawsuit against the manufacturers of e-cigarette products. Instead, we are filing individual lawsuits. You may be eligible to file a lawsuit if you or a family member was diagnosed with:
- Popcorn Lung
- Bronchiolitis obliterans
- Fixed airway obstruction
- Chronic bronchitis
- Asthma
- Diseases of the small airway
Do I have a Popcorn Lung Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting “Popcorn Lung” induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by e-cigarettes or vaping, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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