DIACETYL - WHAT IS IT & HOW DO I PROTECT

DIACETYL - is an artificial flavoring that smells like butter. It is used to give food products such as popcorn, chips, candies, and pastries a buttery taste. Workers in facilities that use or produce food flavorings may breathe vapors, dusts, or mists containing diacetyl. This puts them at risk of developing bronchiolitis obliterans, a serious & irreversible lung disease that can lead to lung transplants and death.

•Substitution: Use flavorings known to be less hazardous.
•Engineering Controls: Use closed processes to transfer flavorings. Isolate the mixing room and other areas where flavorings are handled. Maintain these areas under negative pressure relative to the rest of the facility. Use local exhaust ventilation at sources of potential exposure.
•Admin Controls: Restrict access to areas where flavorings are openly handled. Use work practices that limit the release of vapors and dusts. Keep containers tightly sealed.
•Respiratory Protection: For routine ops, respirators may be needed until other measures can be implemented. They may also be needed during maintenance activities & emergencies. At a min. use 1/2mask respirators equipped with organic vapor cartridges & particulate filters.
•Medical Monitoring: For early detection of disease this should include spirometry, a test that measures how well a person’s lungs function.