Recently you may have heard disturbing reports about dangerous chemicals in microwave popcorn. Today you'll learn: Is it okay to "micro-pop" with butter? Or should we kick the whole thing to the gutter?

The chemical in question is diacetyl, used to make micro-popcorn's butter flavoring. What triggered the scare is that many workers stationed near large heated vats of the stuff developed serious lung disease, and some cancer. "Whoa," you say. "That's a good enough reason for me!" Well, before you toss those un-popped kernels, consider the facts: The EPA has launched a study due out later this year; however, diacetyl is also used in real butter, and the FDA says it's safe to eat. It's just the massive amounts used at industrial levels that are dangerous, especially when hot vapors are breathed in for long periods of time. The real skinny on microwave popcorn? Go ahead and munch! The vapors released are so incredibly small they're virtually non-existent (just stay away from those industrial vats).