Microwave Popcorn Dangers
Dating to the 1940s, microwave popcorn has become a staple of the American household. Popcorn.org reports the average American consumes nearly 54 quarts every year.
Warning
According to the Food and Drug Administration, a chemical used to coat microwave popcorn bags breaks down during the cooking into a chemical called perfluorooctanoic, or PFOA. The Environmental Protection Agency has identified PFOA as a "likely carcinogen."
Prevention/Solution
The FDA is studying whether consumers can develop lung disease from inhaling diacetyl, a chemical used to give microwave popcorn a buttery taste. To avoid inhaling this dangerous chemical, always open cooked bags away from your face and in a well-ventilated area.
Expert Insight
When opening a cooked bag of microwave popcorn, keep your hands and face away from the opening. The bag will contain steam, which can easily cause severe burns.
Cooking Dangers
Stored heat in uncooked microwave popcorn kernels can cause them to pop at any time, even after removal from the microwave. Allow the bag to rest for at least one minute after popping has ceased to avoid injury from popping corn or hot oil.
Considerations
To avoid the dangers of microwave popcorn, consider using a hot air popper or cooking it in a pot with a lid. These methods will produce tasty popcorn with fewer dangerous side effects.
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