Popcorn victim wins $20m damages

Eric Peoples cried and hugged his wife Cassandra when the verdict came

A worker in a US popcorn factory has been awarded $20m for harm to his lungs he sustained mixing butter oils.

Eric Peoples, 32, claimed his injuries were linked to his exposure to the fumes from the oils.

A court heard he may have to wait 10 years for a double lung transplant, and then may only live another 10 years.

The flavouring companies face disaster if the payout is mirrored in the cases of another 29 popcorn workers who are pressing similar claims.

Mr Peoples used to mix flavours for microwave popcorn in a factory in Jasper County, in Missouri.

'Relieved'

A jury decided he should receive $18m and his wife $2m from the two makers of the butter oils, International Flavors and Fragrances Inc and its subsidiary Bush Boake Allen Inc.

It was claimed they knew the chemicals were poisonous, but failed to provide adequate warnings.

Attorneys for the two corporations told jurors their product was safe when handled properly.

Information sent to popcorn plant officials warned the flavouring should be mixed in a well ventilated area and a respirator should be worn when heating it, the Associated Press reported.

'Relief'

Mr Peoples, 32, cried and hugged his wife, Cassandra, when the decision was announced.

"We're relieved that it's over and our lives can get back to as normal as they can be," he said.

"At least for now, we'll be able to spoil our children and let them forget for a while."

His attorney had told jurors: "Eric feels like he's in prison.

"He's going to eventually go through the physical pain of a lung transplant, knowing that he's going back to prison again because he'll eventually get lung disease again."

America's National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has confirmed a link between butter vapours and lung disease.

Health officials insist people who microwave popcorn and eat it at home are not in danger, although the Environmental Protection Agency is studying the chemicals released into the air when a bag of microwave popcorn is popped.