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The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) and Teamsters (IBT) are petitioning the U.S. Department of Labor to stop risking workers’ health by exposing them to diacetyl. Diacetyl is a chemical used in artificial butter flavoring.

UFCW International President Joseph T. Hansen and Teamsters General President James Hoffa have petitioned Labor Secretary Elaine Chao to issue an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) regarding the chemical’s use. An ETS would provide for immediate regulations for working with diacetyl until further investigations and regulations can be made. Without an ETS, workers would continue to work with the chemical until further investigations are completed and official OSHA standards and regulations are drawn up.

Most dangerous when inhaled, diacetyl causes severe and debilitating injuries to the lungs. Exposure can lead to bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as “Popcorn Workers Lung,” a devastating—and potentially fatal—disease. The chemical has been linked to at least three deaths and numerous injuries.

Workers exposed to high concentrations of diacetyl are the most likely to get ill. Over 8,000 people employed in food flavoring facilities are exposed to such high concentrations, while tens of thousand of food processing employees handle candy, pastries, popcorn, frozen food, and dog food that contain the chemical.

Send a letter demanding the issue of an Emergency Temporary Standard to: Elaine L. Chao, Secretary of Labor, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Room S-2018, Washington, D.C. 20210.

Expiration Date:
Wed, 11/08/2006 - 10:00pm