Washington – NIOSH recently issued information (.pdf file) for health care providers on treating workers with flavoring-related lung disease.

Employees who work with or near flavoring chemicals containing diacetyl or 2,3-pentanedione may be at risk for chronic lung conditions. NIOSH said health care providers should take the following steps when treating these workers:

• Take an occupational history. Respiratory symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, fever, night sweats and weight loss.
• Respond by conducting a medical evaluation, which may include spirometry or chest X-rays, among other tests.
• Advise patients on avoiding further exposure and speaking to their supervisor about training and exposure control methods.
• Report cases to your state health department and NIOSH.