[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 145 (Thursday, September 27, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2007]
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. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    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:

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Chairman, this bill requires the Occupational Safety 
and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue an interim standard to 
protect workers in the popcorn manufacturing and flavoring industries 
and gives time to work on a permanent standard.
  I urge support of H.R. 2693, the ``Popcorn Workers Lung Disease 
Act.''
  Every time we microwave a bag of popcorn, we are contributing to lung 
disease.
  Every time we purchase popcorn at the local grocery store, we are 
contributing to lung disease.
  Let's be responsible and start contributing to a solution.
  Let's make sure that we support workplace safety legislation.
  There is no excuse for workers to need lung transplants or to die 
just because they are making popcorn for our pleasure.
  There is no reason why children should lose a parent from dying of 
``Popcorn Lung.''
  Yes, this disease is rare, but it is also irreversible and deadly.
  OSHA must issue control measures and education measures to prevent 
this from happening and to minimize worker exposure.
  There is no excuse!
  Tens of thousands of food processing workers report to work each day 
and are exposed to this dangerous chemical without any controls.
  This bill will give OSHA two (2) years to decide on a final standard 
for permissible exposure limits.
  That time limit is fair and just.
  Let's contribute to a solution and put an end to popcorn lung 
disease!
  Americans have a right to be safe at work, to breathe easily and to 
raise their families knowing that their government will protect them 
from dangerous chemicals.
  I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2693.

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