Can microwave popcorn cause breathing problems?

Microwave popcorn has also been linked to a serious lung disease called popcorn lung. Diacetyl, a chemical used to give microwave popcorn its buttery flavor and aroma, is linked to severe and irreversible lung damage when inhaled in large amounts.

What happens if you inhale diacetyl?

Diacetyl exposure can cause permanent, severe, and potentially lethal lung disease in workers and consumers. Diacetyl vapors enter the lungs setting off an autoimmune chain reaction in the lung tissue of the small airways.

Why is microwave popcorn so bad for you?

But while popcorn in its natural state is a snack you can feel good about, how you prepare it can lessen its healthful properties. Research has linked the coatings used in microwave popcorn to health issues.

Is popcorn bad for breathing?

It’s not harmful when swallowed, but it can damage the lungs if large amounts are inhaled. Nearly all “popcorn lung” victims worked in popcorn or flavoring manufacturing facilities, where they breathed in the chemical every day.

Is diacetyl still in microwave popcorn?

As a result, between 2002 and 2015, diacetyl and other substances were eventually phased out from microwave popcorn and its packaging. Still, consumers should be aware that some chemicals continue to be in use.

Does popcorn have diacetyl?

Diacetyl is also found in brown flavors, such as caramel, butterscotch, and other sweeteners. Foods containing diacetyl can be found in a variety of products but is most commonly associated with popcorn because of the substance’s connection to “popcorn-lung” — Bronchiolitis obliterans.

What popcorn has diacetyl?

“Our flavor experts have reformulated all varieties of Orville Redenbacher’s and ACT II microwave popcorn to address any consumer perceptions about diacetyl and to make our popcorn factories as safe as possible. We want to assure our consumers they can continue to enjoy their favorite popcorn with complete confidence.”

Does all microwave popcorn have diacetyl?

In fact, all the major microwave popcorn manufacturers we contacted said they no longer use diacetyl. But studies indicate that at least one of these substitutes, which is chemically similar to diacetyl and called 2,3-pentanedione, may be just as damaging to the respiratory tract.

What food contains diacetyl?

Foods containing diacetyl that occurs naturally include:

• Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and butter.
• Beer and wine – found in the fermentation of alcohol.
• Honey and most fruits.
• Coffee, coffee beans, coffee grounds which has been linked to Coffee Worker Lung Disease.
• Animal foods.

Does Orville popcorn have diacetyl?

Orville Redenbacher’s and ACT II popcorn, despite the implication, contain 0 grams trans fat, have no added diacetyl and no PFOAs. Additionally, ConAgra Foods transitioned to non-PFOA materials in microwave popcorn packaging six years ago.

Is there any safe microwave popcorn?

Whole Foods 365, Organic Microwave Popcorn “This is my top pick for healthiest microwave popcorn because it only contains popcorn and/or sea salt!” says Fox. “With minimal ingredients and nothing crazy processed, it is a great low-sodium popcorn treat. [Popcorn] doesn’t have to be flavor-less to be healthy!

What microwave popcorn has diacetyl?

Is diacetyl still used in microwave popcorn?

As a result, between 2002 and 2015, diacetyl and other substances were eventually phased out from microwave popcorn and its packaging. Still, consumers should be aware that some chemicals continue to be in use. Is Popcorn a Healthy Snack?

Is microwave popcorn bad for Your Lungs?

A 2012 study provides three case studies of exposure to diacetyl through consuming several daily portions of microwave popcorn. 8  Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety (NIOSH) discovered that long-term exposure of diacetyl had a direct relationship with reduced lung capacity. 9 

What is “popcorn lung”?

“Popcorn lung” is an irreversible scarring of the smallest airways in the lungs. It’s caused by inhaling vapors of a buttery-tasting chemical that some manufacturers used to add to their microwave popcorn. Diacetyl is a natural compound found in cheese, butter, yogurt, and wine.

Why does my microwave popcorn taste like butter?

It’s caused by inhaling vapors of a buttery-tasting chemical that some manufacturers used to add to their microwave popcorn. Diacetyl is a natural compound found in cheese, butter, yogurt, and wine. It’s not harmful when swallowed, but it can damage the lungs if large amounts are inhaled.