The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been abysmal in promulgating standards during the Bush administration. One of the regulatory casualties of OSHA's inaction is delayed action on diacetyl exposure. Diacetyl is a component of the artificial butter flavoring found in microwave popcorn. Exposure can cause a lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans which reduces quality of life and causes premature mortality. Unfortunately, the disease has acquired the moniker "popcorn workers lung." Growing tired of OSHA's delay, Congress is taking action. Democrats on the House Education and Labor Committee have introduced a bill which would require OSHA to set an exposure standard within 90 days of the bill becoming law. The Pump Handle blog has further detailed the issue. Check it out here.