title: Diacetyl-induced lung disease.
abstract: Diacetyl is a diketone flavouring agent that is commonly employed for buttery taste as well as other purposes. Industrial exposure to flavouring agents, particularly diacetyl, has recently been associated with bronchiolitis obliterans, a severe respiratory illness producing fibrosis and obstruction of the small airways. This has been most commonly reported in the microwave popcorn production industry, but it has occurred elsewhere. In addition to bronchiolitis obliterans, spirometry abnormalities (fixed airflow obstruction) and respiratory symptoms have been associated with exposure. A direct effect on the respiratory epithelium with the disorganised fibrotic repair appears most likely as the underlying mechanism. Current data suggest that diacetyl is the agent responsible, although it is possible that diacetyl is simply a marker for another causative agent.
authors.affiliation: Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90024, USA. pharber@mednet.ucla.edu
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Harber
authors.forename: Kaochoy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Saechao
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Boomus
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001989:Bronchiolitis Obliterans / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D003931:Diacetyl / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005421:Flavoring Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D005421:Flavoring Agents; D003931:Diacetyl