[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 145 (Thursday, September 27, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              POPCORN WORKERS LUNG DISEASE PREVENTION ACT

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 26, 2007

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2693) to 
     direct the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to 
     issue a standard regulating worker exposure to diacetyl:

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of 
the Popcorn Workers Lung Disease Prevention Act.
  Bronchiolitis obliterans frequently referred to as popcorn lung is a 
serious and debilitating lung disease, which has resulted in severe 
illness and even death of workers in popcorn and flavor production. 
This irreversible disease has been linked with exposure to the 
artificial butter chemical, diacetyl. However, despite this knowledge, 
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has not issued 
a single regulation for diacetyl. In fact, OSHA has not issued a single 
worker safety standard in the last 7 years, except for one ordered by a 
court.
  This legislation requires OSHA to issue an emergency standard within 
90 days to minimize worker exposure to diacetyl in popcorn and 
flavorings manufacturing plants. It also requires OSHA to develop a 
permanent and more comprehensive standard within the next 2 years to 
regulate diacetyl exposure in all workplaces.
  The Popcorn Workers Lung Disease Prevention Act is supported by a 
wide range of organizations including the Flavor and Extract 
Manufacturers Association, the AFL-CIO, the American Society of Safety 
Engineers, and the American Industrial Hygiene Association.
  All workers have the right to a safe and healthy workplace. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 2693.

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