A suburban Denver man who was diagnosed with “popcorn lung,” possibly from inhaling the artificial butter smell of the microwave popcorn he regularly ate, has won a $7.2 million verdict against various food companies.
Wayne Watson’s attorney, Ken McClain, said a federal jury granted the award against Gilster-Mary Lee Corp., The Kroger Co. and Dillon Companies Inc. after he developed respiratory problems in 2007.
Watson previously settled claims against the flavor developer FONA International Inc., formerly Flavors of North America Inc.
Watson argued the companies failed to warn consumers that inhaling the buttery aroma could put them at risk of lung injury.
KCNC-TV in Denver reported defense attorneys had argued Watson’s health problems stemmed not from popcorn but from his years of working with carpet-cleaning chemicals.
Topics Lawsuits
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Chubb CEO Greenberg on Personal Insurance Affordability and Data Centers 
Chubb Posts Record Q4 and Full Year P/C Underwriting Income, Combined Ratio 
Charges Dropped Against ‘Poster Boy’ Florida Contractor Accused of Insurance Fraud 
What Analysts Are Saying About the 2026 P/C Insurance Market From This Issue
