Two labor organizations say California urgently needs a standard protecting workers from exposure to diacetyl, the chemical used in flavorings that has become a cause celebre of late.

The California Labor Federation and United Food and Commercial Workers union asked for an emergency temporary standard setting a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for diacetyl at 0.05 parts per million, plus a ceiling limit. They also asked that employers be required to provide respirators for workers exposed to the chemical above the PEL.

Exposure to diacetyl is responsible for a debilitating, potentially fatal condition known as "popcorn lung." Two California workers have been diagnosed with the condition and at least one needs a lung transplant to live.

Cal/OSHA has initiated a special emphasis program in the 30 or so manufacturing facilities that have been identified as using diacetyl. The agency is monitoring workers for signs of the disease and educating employers about how to prevent overexposure.

Division of Occupational Safety and Health Acting Chief Len Welsh says regulatory action is warranted on diacetyl, but that an emergency standard isn't necessary.

Look for full details on this development in this week's edition of Cal-OSHA Reporter.