Occupational and Environmental Health: Recognizing and Preventing Disease and Injury - Multiple Choice Questions - Learn & Prevent

What substance is primarily associated with 'popcorn worker’s lung disease'?

1. Popcorn kernels

2. Diacetyl

3. Sodium chloride

4. Butter

The correct answer is: Diacetyl

'Popcorn worker’s lung disease', also known as bronchiolitis obliterans, is an inflammatory disease that affects the smallest airways in the lungs. It is primarily associated with exposure to diacetyl, a chemical flavoring used in microwave popcorn production. The other options (popcorn kernels, sodium chloride, and butter) are incorrect because they do not have a significant connection to the disease. While popcorn kernels are the source of the snack, sodium chloride is just table salt and butter is a commonly used topping on popcorn. Therefore, diacetyl is the correct substance to be primarily associated with 'popcorn worker’s lung disease'.