If you're a fan of microwave popcorn, you might be distressed by the allegations that it isn't safe for you. While there is some evidence that certain of the chemicals used in the production of microwave popcorn can cause harm, the likelihood is that it's perfectly safe to eat.
Cancer Risk
One of the most common rumors about microwave popcorn is that it causes lung cancer. There is no evidence of this, but there is a chemical used in the nonstick coating on the inside of popcorn bags that releases a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid. This chemical has been associated with development of some cancers -- though not lung cancer. For instance, it's suspected to increase risk of prostate cancer in factory workers exposed to the chemical regularly.
"Popcorn Lung"
There is another chemical used in the production of microwave popcorn -- this one is a component of the flavoring agent -- that increases your risk of a lung condition called bronchiolitis obliterans, which makes it difficult to exhale. When you heat the popcorn, the chemical, called diacetyl, aerosolizes and you can breathe it. Factory workers exposed to large quantities of diacetyl tend to develop bronchiolitis obliterans, sometimes called "popcorn lung."
Diverticulitis
You also might have heard that microwave popcorn -- and frankly, any popcorn -- can increase your risk of developing diverticulitis, an inflammatory condition of the intestine. However, a study by Dr. Lisa Strate and colleagues published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" reports that if you don't have diverticular disease to begin with, popcorn likely won't increase your risk and it's safe to eat.
General Guidelines
In general, the health concerns associated with microwave popcorn probably aren't applicable to the average consumer because they require breathing large quantities of the chemicals involved. Further, popcorn is a low-calorie snack that contains some dietary fiber, which has a positive effect on digestive and overall health. As such, you can probably enjoy microwave popcorn safely, though you might want to avoid breathing the hot vapors that come out of the bag when you open it.
References
- "Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine"; Mortality Among Employees of a Perfluorooctanoic Acid Production Plant; Frank Gilliland et al; September 1993
- "Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine"; Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome in Chemical Workers Producing Diacetyl for Food Flavorings; Frits van Rooy et al; May 2007
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Nut, Corn, and Popcorn Consumption and the Incidence of Diverticular Disease; Lisa Strate et al; 2008
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