Who wants some non-toxic popcorn?
Thanks to a recent decision by some of popcorn's top dogs -- Redenbacher, Pop Secret, etc. -- the air quality at your next movie night should be a little less toxic. The top 4 popcorn makers are removing a chemical in microwave popcorn has been linked to a form of bronchitis obliterans, a.k.a. 'popcorn lung.' As you probably guessed, the culprit is that horribly deliciously fake butter flavoring that we've all grown to love, and the chemical responsible -- diacetyl. 
Now, it may sound like something created by a mad scientist in his secret lair, but diacetyl occurs naturally in fruit, butter and cheese. Apparently, workers develop popcorn lung from standing over flavoring vats, breathing diacetyl fumes for extended periods of time, at least that's what their lawyers claim. Although the FDA approves the use of diacetyl, popcorn manufacturers are tired of handing out cash settlements to their workers who are coughing up their lungs -- way to go legal system!
Apparently, the risk for consumers is negligible unless you like to inhale the face-melting fumes that escape after first opening the bag. Diacetyl should be off of store shelves by mid-January. Until then, remember -- don't huff the fumes unless its Newman's Own!
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