News Release

Butter-flavored popcorn ingredient suspected cause of lung disease

Research published in a special issue of Toxicologic Pathology

Peer-Reviewed Publication

SAGE

Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, and Singapore ¬(April 29, 2008) An unusually high incidence of lung disease has been diagnosed in workers at popcorn factories. Researchers are focusing on diacetyl, the ingredient which is largely responsible for the odor and flavor of the butter in popcorn, according to an article published by SAGE in the current issue of Toxicologic Pathology.

“Workers making microwave popcorn and flavoring chemicals are at increased risk for developing lung disease,” said lead researcher, Ann Hubbs of the Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Morgantown, WV.. “This research, in conjunction with other recent studies, supports the conclusion that diacetyl is an inhalation hazard and further studies are needed to also investigate other agents in butter flavoring so we have the information needed to protect workers.”

The study examined diacetyl and its health consequences. Diacetyl is easily vaporized at temperatures used in microwave popcorn production, which results in high concentrations in the workplace.

The NIOSH research examined the acute toxicity of inhaled diacetyl in rats, and compared different exposure patterns. It was one of the very first studies to evaluate the respiratory toxicity of the chemical flavoring agent at levels relevant to human health. The researchers found that diacetyl – including just its vapors – can injure lungs.

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The article, “Respiratory Toxicologic Pathology of Inhaled Diacetyl in Sprague-Dawley Rats,” by Ann F. Hubbs, William T. Goldsmith, Michael L. Kashon, David Frazer, Robert R. Mercer, Lori A. Battelli, Gregory J. Kullman, Diane Schwegler-Berry, Sherri Friend, and Vincent Castranova, of the Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV., has been made available by SAGE free of charge for a limited time at http://tpx.sagepub.com/cgi/rapidpdf/0192623307312694v1.

Toxicologic Pathology, the official journal of the Society of Toxicologic Pathology, focuses on the multidisciplinary elements that constitute toxicologic pathology, including spontaneous and experimentally induced morphological and functional changes, environmental exposures, case reports, and risk assessment and investigative techniques. The journal publishes original articles, symposia papers, brief communications, current topic reviews, current issues, and fast-track articles. http://tpx.sagepub.com/

SAGE is a leading international publisher of journals, books, and electronic media for academic, educational, and professional markets. Since 1965, SAGE has helped inform and educate a global community of scholars, practitioners, researchers, and students spanning a wide range of subject areas including business, humanities, social sciences, and science, technology and medicine. A privately owned corporation, SAGE has principal offices in Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, and Singapore. www.sagepublications.com

For more information, please contact: Mary Kay Jezzini
SAGE Publicist
212-352-1404
publicity@sagepub.com


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