Joplin, Mo. – Linda Redman, one of 30 popcorn factory workers who sued a flavor manufacturer over lung damage, died after a long lung illness, her family said.
Redman, 57, of Joplin, had to use oxygen and was confined to a wheelchair for the last year of her life. She died at her home Sunday.
Redman was among 30 current or former workers at a Jasper popcorn plant who sued International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. and its subsidiary, Bush Boake Allen Inc.
The lawsuits in Jasper County Circuit Court claimed the workers suffered lung damage because they breathed fumes from the chemical diacetyl, used in butter flavoring for microwave popcorn. They alleged the manufacturers should have known diacetyl was hazardous and failed to inform employees.
Jasper Popcorn Co. and Glister-Mary Lee Corp., which bought the factory in 1999, were not defendants in the suits.
Government health workers said the butter flavoring likely caused the outbreak of lung disease.
Redman settled with the company in April 2004, shortly before a jury was to announce its verdict. The settlement was not disclosed.
Donna Crampton, a sister, said Redman would have traded anything for good health, including money from the settlement.
Redman worked at the plant for 18 months, starting in 1994.
