Popcorn Workers Lung Trial Begins

The trial of the first worker affected by "popcorn workers lung" began today.

Former microwave popcorn factory worker Eric Peoples told jurors this morning that the biggest loss in his life since being diagnosed with an irreversible lung disease is not being able to "rough house" with his two young children.

"In my home, if you were on the floor, you were fair game," Peoples said.

Peoples used a portable oxygen tank to ease his breathing as he testified in his lawsuit against International Flavors and Fragrances Inc. and a subsidiary. His suit claims his lungs were ruined after months of mixing their butter flavoring oils at a popcorn factory in southwest Missouri.

Attorneys on both sides agreed to break up Peoples' testimony into short segments because his lung capacity is severely diminished and he tires easily.

More here.