The Health Risk of Burnt Popcorn in the Microwave

Popcorn is a beloved snack and microwave popcorn is an even bigger hit. But what most people don't realize is the health risk of making burnt popcorn in the microwave. As a popcorn lover and microwave popcorn connoisseur, I want everyone to stay safe and understand the potential risks of scorching their kernels.

Burning popcorn releases a chemical called diacetyl. In high doses, diacetyl is a respiratory toxin and can be dangerous when inhaled over long periods of time. Inhalation of diacetyl can lead to bronchiolitis obliterans, a type of popcorn lung, where the air sacs in the lungs become scarred.

When making popcorn in the microwave, you don't need to be afraid of diacetyl gas, but you should beware of something called backdrafting. Backdrafting can occur when the microwave is open and hot popcorn lands on a cold surface, like an oven rack. As the popcorn cools, it releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOCs can be collected and recirculated through the microwave vents, causing the popcorn smoke to fill up the kitchen.

When making microwave popcorn, avoid scorching it by following the cooking instructions on the bag and leaving the oven door open for a few minutes after cooking. To be sure your popcorn is coming out right, always be on the lookout for smoke rising from the microwave. If it's smoked before, it can smoke again.

Now that you know the risks of burnt popcorn in the microwave, be sure to sign up for the Kernel Kravings newsletter to get more popcorn tips and reviews. Let's make sure everyone can snack safely and enjoy delicious, delicately popped kernels each time!