28/09/2007
On 26 September, the U.S. House of Representatives approved by a large majority the Popcorn Workers Lung Disease Prevention Act (H.R. 2693), a bill designed to protect food processing workers from a form of lung disease that has been linked to diacetyl, a chemical used in artificial food flavoring for popcorn.

The bill would force the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue rules limiting workers’ exposure to diacetyl. Scientists have linked diacetyl exposure to bronchiolitis obliterans, a severe lung disease.

The bill would mandate that the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issue an emergency standard within 90 days to minimize workers' exposure to diacetyl in popcorn flavorings manufacturing plants.

Employers would also be required to develop a written exposure plan that would use engineering controls and respirators to protect workers. It would also require employers to medically monitor workers to determine whether their health continues to be threatened by exposure. Additionally, OSHA would be mandated to issue a more comprehensive standard within two years covering all workplaces where workers may be exposed to diacetyl.

"This is an important piece of legislation that will finally force OSHA to do what it should have a long time ago, issue rules to protect workers by limiting exposure to diacetyl," said Jim Hoffa, General President of the Teamsters Union.