3. Microwave Popcorn
It is impossible to mask the smell of microwave popcorn. The irresistible smell comes from the butter flavouring chemicals such as diacetyl and Pentanedione which are dissipated into the air by the heating process. These compounds can cause respiratory damage called ‘popcorn lung’ for consumers and producers alike. The potentially fatal respiratory disease is usually a condition called constrictive bronchiolitis obliterans in which the smallest airways of the lung become scarred and constricted, blocking off the movement of air. Next time, make your own popcorn from scratch and replace the butter with some pepper and paprika.