19 With Lung Disease Settle Popcorn Suit

The claims of 19 people who blame lung disease on the butter flavoring used at the popcorn plant where they worked have been settled for an undisclosed sum. The settlements come after the flavoring company was ordered in jury trials to pay four people about $53 million in damages, which were appealed. Workers at the plant in Jasper, 135 miles south of Kansas City, said that exposure to diacetyl, a chemical used in the butter flavoring, caused bronchiolitis obliterans, a disease that obstructs the lungs. None of them has died. Ken McClain, a lawyer for 15 plaintiffs, said several may need lung transplants. The settlements were announced Tuesday.