Meditations on a news item

This article got me thinking.

First, the core of the article:

The decision comes a day after a doctor at a leading lung research hospital said in a warning letter to federal regulators that consumers, not just factory workers, may be in danger from fumes from buttery flavoring in microwave popcorn.

Then, the thoughts:

I know they say junk food will kill you, but that's not the way I thought they meant.

I know some people say microwaves are bad for you, but again, I didn't think they meant it this way.

I always liked the "buttery flavoring" back when I bothered with microwave popcorn, but that's a fairly unpalatable phrasing. Then again, the residue it left wasn't exactly palatable, either ... so why did I eat it?

Microwave popcorn is banned at my workplace. They say it's because it sets off the fire detectors and they've been billed by the fire department one time too many. Maybe that's not the real reason. Maybe they knew.

"Popcorn lung"? They really call it "popcorn lung"?

Should you really say that a "rare life-threatening disease" is "often called" something?

If the diacetyl is dangerous to workers, why wouldn't it be dangerous to consumers?

Man, that would truly be a unique mystery novel hook. Death by Popcorn.

I bet somewhere, there's a writer ripping his hair out. "Dammit, they spoiled my novel! They scooped my plot, and now I look like a copycat! It was my idea first! Mine!!"

Actually, since this made the news, it'll surely show up on a Law & Order franchise this season. What's the over/under on a London bookie offering odds for which franchise?

Who microwaves "popcorn several times a day for years"? Would that represent a candidate for lamest job ever or worst diet ever?