Bush Admin Takes Lone Stance Against "Popcorn Lung" Bill

The White House today took what may be a lone stand against the Popcorn Workers Lung Disease Prevention Act, a bill the House may vote on as soon as Wednesday. It would require the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to publish standards regulating worker exposure to diacetyl, a flavoring chemical used in microwave popcorn and other foods that can cause bronchiolitis obliterans, or "popcorn lung."

The White House Office of Management and Budget today suggested the bill, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Lynn Woolsey of California, is a hasty mandate that could disrupt OSHA's already-adequate response to the problem. "More time is needed to gather sufficient evidence concerning" the causes of popcorn lung, the "range of exposure levels that may be hazardous," and "the kinds of control measures that are most effective," OMB said.

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