US Man gets $7.2m over popcorn

A US man has been awarded $7.2m in damages after claiming he developed "popcorn lung" from inhaling the artificial butter in microwave popcorn.

Wayne Watson claimed that a popcorn manufacturer should have had warning labels that the bag's fumes were dangerous to inhale and the judge agreed with him.

The man developed respiratory problems in 2007, after regularly eating popcorn. Defence lawyers argued that Mr Watson's problems stemmed from years of working with carpet-cleaning chemicals.

"Popcorn lung" is a form of irreversible obstructive lung disease that scars the lung and makes it difficult for air to flow out.

The verdict is the latest in a series of successful cases, including by popcorn plant workers who became ill. The cases link diacetyl, an ingredient in the flavouring, to health problems.

Jurors found Gilster-Mary Lee Corp, a private-labelling manufacturer of popcorn, liable for 80% of the damages. Supermarket company Kroger Co was held liable for the other 20%.

Well, I'm quite a popcorn fan, I can't really watch a movie without it. Maybe I'll become very rich I'm still breathing just fine at the moment though.

$7.2M seems quite excessive - I wonder what they based that on?  I had read about the workers a couple of years ago.  Pretty sad that we ingest all those chemicals, one way or another.

That's typical american, out here in the Netherlands, or in whole Europe, claims are and will never be that high, but good for him, sad he can't bye his health back with that money.

I guess if this person is suffering because of a lack of warnings then they gotta pay....$7.2m is way too much though. 

Glad I rarely eat popcorn.

blue

Hmm...$7.2m.... that's a bit too much. Well, good for him. I wonder what he's gonna do with all that money.

I was taken back by that comment too. I'm surprised you would say that jbuijsheeschw.

Anyway, you can't replace lung function. Anyone in any country should be compensated for that. You put junk in your product and cause harm, you should pay. It's different than cigarettes or any other harmful product because we know what will happen.

Maybe it came out wrong, but can you name one other country in the world where people can claim and actually get this kind of money....??

No............and ain't it great.....wink!

This guy worked for years in cleaning carpets.  no chemicals there, right? 

Note, that is the jury award.  I dare say he will never see a dime.