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PAM Cooking Spray Lawsuit: Lung Disease Claims and Occupational Exposure Risks
Cooking sprays are common in homes and commercial kitchens across the United States, and as a result, products like PAM Cooking Spray are marketed as convenient, low-calorie alternatives to traditional oils. Most consumers expect them to be safe when used as directed.
However, lawsuits have alleged that prolonged exposure to aerosolized cooking spray, particularly in commercial kitchen environments, may be linked to serious lung disease, including a rare and potentially life-altering condition known as bronchiolitis obliterans, sometimes referred to as “popcorn lung.”
Recent reports indicate that litigation involving PAM cooking spray resulted in a substantial verdict and, as a result, brought increased attention to concerns about long-term inhalation exposure to aerosolized cooking oils in the workplace.
If you or a loved one developed lung disease like popcorn lung after repeated exposure to aerosol cooking spray, you may have legal options worth exploring. The Law Offices of Jason Turchin can represent individuals nationwide in dangerous product and occupational exposure cases through our network of co-counsels.
What Is the PAM Cooking Spray Lawsuit About?
According to publicly reported litigation, the plaintiff alleged in a product liability lawsuit that prolonged inhalation of aerosolized cooking spray in commercial kitchen environments contributed to the development of serious lung disease.
The manufacturer of PAM cooking spray is Conagra Brands.
Lawsuits involving popcorn lung often center on allegations that:
- Aerosolized cooking spray particles may be inhaled deeply into the lungs
- Repeated occupational exposure may cause inflammation or lung damage
- Adequate warnings about inhalation risks were not provided
While each case is fact-specific, these claims highlight broader concerns about workplace safety in restaurant and food preparation settings.
What Is Bronchiolitis Obliterans (“Popcorn Lung”)?
Bronchiolitis obliterans is a rare and serious lung condition involving inflammation and scarring of the small airways. The condition can cause:
- Persistent coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Reduced lung capacity
- Fatigue
In severe cases, lung damage may be irreversible.
The condition gained public attention years ago when workers in microwave popcorn facilities developed lung disease allegedly linked to inhalation of certain chemical flavorings. Some cooking spray lawsuits draw parallels to inhalation-related exposure risks.
How Aerosolized Cooking Sprays May Affect the Lungs
Cooking sprays are dispensed as fine aerosols, creating microscopic droplets that may:
- Remain suspended in the air
- Be inhaled by workers
- Accumulate in poorly ventilated environments
In commercial kitchens, workers may use cooking spray repeatedly throughout the day. Over time, prolonged exposure in enclosed or inadequately ventilated spaces may increase inhalation risk.
Factors that may contribute to exposure include:
- Frequent spraying during food preparation
- Limited ventilation systems
- Lack of protective equipment
- Continuous shifts in small kitchen areas
Who May Be at Risk for Popcorn Lung?
Lawsuits involving cooking spray exposure could involve:
- Restaurant workers
- Line cooks
- Kitchen staff
- Food service employees
- Industrial food processing workers
Home use generally involves intermittent exposure, while occupational exposure may occur daily over months or years.
Symptoms That May Be Linked to Inhalation Exposure
Workers alleging cooking spray-related lung disease have reported:
- Chronic dry cough
- Increasing shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Decreased exercise tolerance
- Persistent respiratory symptoms
In some cases, symptoms developed gradually, leading to delayed diagnosis.
Example Scenarios in Cooking Spray Lung Disease Claims
While each case is different, lawsuits could involve scenarios such as:
Example 1 – Long-Term Restaurant Exposure
A line cook uses aerosolized cooking spray multiple times per shift in a poorly ventilated kitchen. Over time, the worker develops progressive respiratory symptoms.
Example 2 – Industrial Food Facility Exposure
An employee in a large-scale food processing plant is exposed to airborne cooking spray particles daily for several years before being diagnosed with lung disease.
Example 3 – Inadequate Warning Allegations
A worker alleges that no warnings were provided about potential inhalation hazards during prolonged use.
These examples often involve extended, repeated exposure rather than occasional household use.
Legal Theories in PAM Cooking Spray Lawsuits
Cooking spray lung disease claims may involve several legal theories:
Failure to Warn
Allegations that adequate warnings were not provided about inhalation risks in occupational settings.
Design Defect
Claims that the aerosol formulation or delivery system created foreseeable inhalation hazards.
Negligence
Allegations that reasonable care was not exercised in evaluating long-term exposure risks.
Workplace Liability
In some cases, employers may also be evaluated under workers’ compensation or occupational safety frameworks.
Each claim depends on medical evidence, workplace conditions, and product use history.
Medical Evidence in Lung Disease Cases
These cases could involve:
- Pulmonary function testing
- CT scans of the lungs
- Biopsy results
- Occupational exposure history
- Expert testimony from pulmonologists
Because bronchiolitis obliterans is relatively rare, careful medical evaluation is typically necessary to assess causation.
Compensation That May Be Available
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Ongoing pulmonary care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability-related damages
Lung diseases can significantly impact daily life and long-term health.
Are Cooking Spray Cases Class Actions?
Some cases may be resolved individually, while others may be coordinated in broader litigation. Occupational exposure claims often depend heavily on individual medical and employment history.
What To Do If You Developed Lung Disease After Cooking Spray Exposure
If you believe prolonged aerosol cooking spray exposure contributed to lung disease:
- Seek evaluation from a pulmonologist
- Request copies of medical records
- Document work history and exposure details
- Identify specific products used
- Preserve employment records
- Consult a Florida product liability lawyer to review potential claims
Early documentation may be important in exposure cases.
How the Law Offices of Jason Turchin May Help
The Law Offices of Jason Turchin is available to represent individuals nationwide in dangerous product and occupational exposure cases. The firm handles cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no fees or costs unless money is recovered.
The firm can help by:
- Reviewing medical and employment history
- Investigating exposure conditions
- Consulting medical professionals
- Identifying responsible manufacturers
- Pursuing compensation through settlement or litigation when appropriate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can cooking spray cause lung disease?
Some lawsuits allege that prolonged occupational inhalation exposure may contribute to lung conditions.
Is bronchiolitis obliterans reversible?
In many cases, the condition may cause lasting lung damage.
Does this apply to home use?
Most reported personal injury lawsuits involve occupational exposure rather than occasional household use.
Can employers be involved in claims?
Depending on circumstances, workers’ compensation laws may apply.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Statutes of limitations vary by state, so prompt legal advice is recommended.
Speak With a Florida Lung Disease Exposure Lawyer
If you developed lung disease after prolonged exposure to PAM cooking spray or aerosolized cooking products, you may have legal options worth exploring. The Law Offices of Jason Turchin can help review your situation and explain potential next steps.
Call (800) 337-7755 or visit www.VictimAid.com for a free consultation. There are no fees or costs unless money is recovered.