As a worker in Connecticut that has been dealing with industrial fumes and factory-quality air for a period of time, it’s very possible that you may have developed health related problems because of it. One such issue that you may be familiar with is colloquially known as “popcorn lung”, and can be quite detrimental to your health.
WebMD describes popcorn lung as a condition in which the lungs are damaged in some way by fumes or chemicals. This damage constricts airflow and limits your body’s ability to get the oxygen it needs to function. The actual name of this illness is bronchiolitis obliterans, and it affects the smallest airways in your lungs. Inflammation will create scar tissue over time, shrinking the airways down and limiting their capacity to carry oxygen to the blood. Symptoms can manifest in many different ways but usually include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest.
Several ingredients are frequently tied to popcorn lung. This includes diacetyl, a common ingredient in food flavoring and associated with the butter in popcorn as well as electronic cigarettes. Acetaldehyde is also one, which can be found in e-cigarettes, marijuana, and more. Formaldehyde, metal oxide fumes, chlorine, ammonia, hydrochloric acid, sulfur mustard, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide can also contribute to this condition.
If you are suffering from this condition, you may want to look into options for financial compensation, as this is a long-term condition that will require treatment and medications. Consider speaking with an experienced attorney about it for more information and help.