Munching microwave popcorns probably wouldn’t be the same for you anymore. Recent investigations has shown that the chemical fuming out of the microwave popcorn’s buttery aroma is posing serious health issues for employees who make the snack.

At St. Louis, Mo., flavoring company, working for a span of around 10 months, 53-year old Jerry Blaylock is suffering from Popcorn Lung. A rare disease which is linked to the chemical diacetyl, and has reduced the breathing capacity of his lungs to a meagre 45 percent.

“Earlier i used to spend my time with my grandkids at the zoo or amusement parks, but today my lifestyle is bound with restrictions,” Blaylock said.

As diagnosed by experts, the chemical diacetyl emits a toxic gas when heated in a factory. The issue has been studied by David Michaels, a former assistant secretary of energy for the past four years.

“It is evident that workers destroy their lungs in the hazardous exposure of factory where they inhale the chemical either as a powder or liquid while mixing” Michaels said.

Connecticut state Rep. Rosa Delauro is banking more on further testing of the chemical diacetyl to ensure and guard public health. For the time being Food and Drug Administration is asked to ban the chemical until it is proven safe to consumers.