Early detection, clinical diagnosis, and management of lung disease from exposure to diacetyl

Inhalation of diacetyl-containing products is associated with risk for occupational bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) and fixed airways obstruction, particularly in workers exposed to heated liquids and powdered formulations. This review describes the occupational settings in which diacetyl-related lung disease has been reported and the clinical presentation of disease, along with an approach to diagnosis and management. The importance of early disease recognition, appropriate removal from exposure, and medical monitoring to optimize prognosis is reviewed. The roles of public health follow-up and medical surveillance for primary and secondary prevention are discussed.