Settlement reached in strange ‘Popcorn Lung’ Medical Case

I just returned from San Jose and thought I would post some news regarding the mile high city. A Denver resident, Wayne Watson, developed what has become known as popcorn lung. Popcorn lung’s proper name is bronchiolitis obliterans. It has been linked to a chemical that is added to microwave popcorn, diacetyl. For their part, Some major microwave popcorn manufacturers have removed diacetyl as a result of the attention that has been focused on popcorn lung from inhaling the
Changes have been made to the manufacturing of popcorn to protect factory workers from developing popcorn lung. This has not been as much of a problem, it seems over here in San Jose for some reason, knock on wood. Diacetyl can potentially effect the eyes, mucous membranes, respiratory system, and the skin. The chemical can cause a persistent cough, phlegm production, wheezing, dyspnea (shortness of breath); unusual fatigue. Other symptoms are mild fever or generalized aches. Diacetyl can also cause bronchiolitis obliterans, or popcorn lung, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Diacetyl has approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration as a food flavoring. The FDA found no harm to the public when used in small amounts.
However, some have questioned the safety of the ingredient, since it has been linked to popcorn lung in factory workers, and now has resulted in a lawsuit settlement for the Denver man who apparently developed popcorn lung from microwave popcorn.I suppose if it were ever proven that someone on the inside had known about the risk that could be considered criminal negligence and someone could need a San Jose criminal attorney or lawyer for their defense. Speaking of that, an attorney for John Weimer Jr, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court. Weimer claimed International Flavors & Fragrance were aware of the health risks associated with the flavoring but did not warn users and medical and government authorites.