HR0090 LRB094 06802 WGH 36904 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, The National Institute for Occupational Safety
3 and Health (NIOSH) has investigated reports of respiratory
4 diseases among workers exposed to artificial butter flavoring
5 used in microwave popcorn; and
 
6     WHEREAS, In the case of a microwave popcorn processing
7 plant in Missouri, NIOSH determined that workers' illnesses
8 were due to inhalation of vapors from artificial butter
9 flavoring; diacetyl, a chemical in the flavoring, has been
10 linked to the illnesses; and
 
11     WHEREAS, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has
12 initiated a study to measure the types and amounts of chemicals
13 emitted when microwave popcorn is popped and opened; and
 
14     WHEREAS, Containment of harmful fumes and substances in
15 microwave popcorn processing plants, adequate ventilation, and
16 face and lung protection for workers have shown promise in
17 reducing the risks faced by workers; and
 
18     WHEREAS, To protect the workers of this State, the extent
19 of the risks to workers in Illinois should be determined;
20 therefore, be it
 
21     RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
22 NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
23 we urge the Illinois Department of Labor to determine the
24 extent to which workers are exposed to harmful chemicals at
25 microwave popcorn processing plants in Illinois; and be it
26 further
 
27     RESOLVED, That we urge the Illinois Department of Labor to
28 consider whether emergency or other rules or any other measures
29 are needed to protect the health of those workers and to report

 

 

HR0090 - 2 - LRB094 06802 WGH 36904 r

1 its findings and conclusions to this body; and be it further
 
2      RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be delivered to
3 the Illinois Director of Labor.