Popcorn Workers Lung Law Would Force OSHA to Regulate Diacetyl
October 25th, 2007 laurie
Popcorn Workers Lung, aka bronchiolitis obliterans, might finally get some attention from US regulatory agencies. Though its been known for years that the often fatal disorder is linked to diacetyl exposure in snack food factories, no federal agency has stepped up to do anything about it. Well, now the House of Representatives has passed a bill that would force the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to regulate diacetyl exposure in factories that make microwave popcorn and other snacks.
The new Popcorn Workers Lung law requires that OSHA establish safe diacetyl exposure limits; air-monitoring requirements; medical surveillance standards; requirements for workers to wear protective gear when exposed to diacetyl; and regulations for safety labeling of the chemical. Following the passage of House bill, members of Senate started working on companion legislation. If a Popcorn Workers Lung law does make it through the Senate, it will still need to be signed by President Bush. No word yet on whether he would be willing to sign a Popcorn Workers Lung law.












