Trial set for worker's claim against popcorn maker

JOPLIN, Mo. -- A Carthage, Mo., man who contends he developed a rare lung disease from breathing artificial butter flavoring vapors wafting from large vats while working at a southwest Missouri microwave popcorn plant will be the first to have his claims heard at trial.

Eric Peoples, who is awaiting a lung transplant, is one of 30 former workers at the Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. plant in Jasper suing two manufacturers of the butter flavoring. The trial in state court begins Monday in Joplin.

Peoples, who worked at the plant for 17 months, is among eight plant workers with bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as popcorn packers' lung, a severe and irreversible disease that makes it difficult to breathe. Four others also are awaiting lung transplants. An additional 22 former workers claim they have lung problems.

Attorneys for the workers said the illnesses were caused by exposure to chemicals, particularly diacetyl, in butter flavorings made by International Flavors and Fragrances Inc. and its subsidiary Bush Boake Allen Inc.

The suit was filed on behalf of the 30 workers and their spouses in September 2001. However, attorneys for the flavoring companies convinced a Jasper County judge last month to separate it into individual cases because injury claims differ from worker to worker and could confuse jurors.

Peoples, 31, was selected to have his case heard first because he is among the sickest.

The connection between the butter flavorings and the workers first came to light in August 2000 after a doctor in Kansas City who handles occupational health problems, Allen Parmet, saw six patients with the disorder at once, all from the same part of southwest Missouri.

The disease kills cells in the bronchial airway tubes of the lungs and causes scarring. It causes coughing, shortness of breath and obstructed airways that don't respond to normal asthma medication.

Health officials said there is no danger to people who microwave the popcorn and eat it at home.

Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. is based in Chester, Ill.