Workers handling dangerous chemicals at risk of health problems.

Employees who work with chemicals and other products which pose a threat to health and safety may be entitled to compensation should they fall ill as a result of unsafe working conditions. The production of many products commonly used each day expose workers to certain hazards which could result in short or long term medical issues. When the employer fails to protect their employees from these hazards, they may be held accountable for damages.

As is often the case, the true danger of working with certain products and chemicals is not always realized until workers begin to get sick. What was considered a safe work environment can quickly become a toxic wasteland where all workers exposed to dangerous chemicals are at risk of health problems as a result.

A chemical used to flavor certain food products is now known to be the cause of illness among workers who were exposed to the chemical. Diacetyl is the chemical used to create artificial butter flavoring used on microwave popcorn and other food products commonly consumed in households around the world. Workers exposed to diacetyl have come forward after discovering exposure to the chemical can lead to debilitating lung disease. Bronchiolitis obliterans or as many refer to it, "popcorn workers lung" is a respiratory illness which is believed to be the result of exposure to diacetyl vapors.

Sadly, for the workers who have already been affected by exposure to this dangerous chemical, increased regulation may be too late. Recommendations to provide protection for workers exposed to diacetyl began as early as 2000, however it wasn't until 2007 when legislation was finally passed to require action from OSHA regarding exposure to diacetyl. Workers who have been exposed to this and other chemicals often suffer for months or even years before any steps are taken to limit exposure or provide the proper protection to prevent illness.