LA man gets $25M after developing lung disease from PAM cooking spray
A Los Angeles man recently won a groundbreaking case against Conagra, the maker of the popular cooking spray PAM, after developing a rare chronic lung disease known as “popcorn lung.” The man, 58-year-old Roland Esparza, was awarded $25 million by a jury in Los Angeles Superior Court. The jury found that Conagra failed to warn consumers about the dangers of inhaling fumes from the buttery spray, which contained an ingredient called diacetyl known to cause respiratory illness.
Esparza had been using PAM religiously since the 1990s, believing it to be a healthy option due to his dedication to health and fitness. However, he was diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans, an irreversible progressive respiratory disease commonly referred to as “popcorn lung.” This disease was named after microwave popcorn plant workers in the Midwest who developed the illness from inhaling the buttery-flavored chemical during the manufacturing process.
Despite Conagra’s claims that they had discontinued the use of diacetyl in 2009, Esparza’s attorney argued that his client had been exposed to the harmful ingredient for years. The Cleveland Clinic notes that most people receive little to no benefit from medical treatment for popcorn lung, with symptoms improving only after they are no longer exposed to the flavored vapors.
Conagra expressed disappointment with the verdict and maintained that PAM Butter Flavor cooking spray has been diacetyl-free for almost two decades. The company intends to contest the verdict through all available legal avenues.
Esparza’s attorney revealed that his client is in need of a double lung transplant and hopes to be placed on the transplant list soon. While a transplant may extend his life, it will not restore his health entirely. The attorney emphasized that this verdict was significant as it marked the first successful case against a cooking spray for causing popcorn lung.
Overall, the case serves as a warning about the potential health risks associated with certain food products and the importance of transparent labeling and consumer awareness. Esparza’s story highlights the need for companies to prioritize consumer safety and provide clear information about the ingredients used in their products.
