Coffee Workers at Risk for Lung Disease

Today's post is shared from cdc.gov

Roasted Coffee Beans

Obliterative bronchiolitis, an irreversible form of lung disease in which the smallest airways in the lung (the bronchioles) become scarred and constricted, blocking the movement of air, was previously identified in flavoring manufacturing workers and microwave popcorn workers who were occupationally exposed to diacetyl (2,3-butanedione) or butter flavorings containing diacetyl. Now, NIOSH research finds that workers at coffee processing facilities may also be at risk.

Candy Makers Found to Have Popcorn Lung - Flavoring Illness

It has been reported by, Andrew Schneider, investigative reporter, that severe cases of "popcorn lung" caused by exposure to diacetyl butter are now being reported in candy makers as well. Five cases of severe lung disease have been identified by physicians. Those cases involved workers who made candy.

Workers' Compensation, "'The Dead Elephant' in the Room"

Joining a loud and vocal majority, Peter Rousmanie, a writer for the periodical, Risk and Insurance, has authored a series of 4 articles on the failing workers’ compensation system.

In a series initially focusing on the World Trade Disaster he has shifted his focus in the first two articles from merely the 911 tragedy to the entire system calling workers’ compensation, “”The Dead Elephant’ In the Room.”

World Trade Center In-Depth Series (Part 1): Up in Smoke

World Trade Center In-Depth Series (Part 2): The Disease Within

World Trade Center In-Depth Series (Part 3): Peeling a Sour Apple

Legislation to Protect Food Flavoring Workers from Severe Lung Disease Passes House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – By a vote of 260 to 154, the U.S. House of Representatives today approved legislation intended to prevent workers in food processing plants from getting a debilitating, irreversible lung disease that has already sickened and killed a number of workers nationwide.

The legislation would force the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue rules limiting workers' exposure to diacetyl, a chemical used in artificial food flavoring for microwave popcorn and other foods. Scientists have linked diacetyl exposure to bronchiolitis obliterans, a severe lung disease often known as "popcorn lung." Despite mounting evidence over several years of the dangers of popcorn lung, OSHA has failed to take action to limit diacetyl exposure, prompting the need for the legislation approved by the House today.

"Seven years after the first cases of popcorn lung were identified, it is stunning that OSHA has failed to protect American workers from this horrible disease," said Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the committee. "The cost of the Bush administration's failure to act can be measured in the number of workers who have avoidably grown ill or died. This legislation is critical to stop the delays in protecting workers from this serious workplace hazard."

"It's a travesty that OSHA has done nothing to regulate this chemical, while workers have fallen seriously ill and some have actually died," said Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections and chief sponsor of the legislation. "That's why it's time for Congress to act to keep workers healthy and safe. Passing this important legislation is a step in the right direction."

Thousands of workers are still being exposed to diacetyl at factories that make or use food flavorings.

The legislation, the Popcorn Workers Lung Disease Prevention Act (H.R. 2693), would:

Mandate that OSHA issue a standard within 90 days to minimize workers' exposure to diacetyl in popcorn and flavorings manufacturing plants. Employers would be required to develop a written exposure control plan that would use engineering controls and respirators to protect workers, and to conduct medical monitoring to determine whether workers' health continued to be harmed.
Mandate that OSHA issue a more comprehensive standard within two years, covering all workplaces where workers may be exposed to diacetyl.
House Democrats urged the Labor Department to address this serious health hazard in August 2006. For more information and for a copy of the August 2006 letter from House Democrats to the Department of Labor, click here.

The Education and Labor Committee held a hearing on OSHA's failure to issue standards, including one for diacetyl, in April 2007. For more information, click here.