A federal jury in Denver on Wednesday awarded $7.3 million in damages to a Centennial man diagnosed with “popcorn lung” — the scarring of airways caused by chemical fumes from artificial flavorings.

Wayne Watson, a Centennial furniture salesman, contracted the disease from eating two to three bags of microwave popcorn each day for a decade.

The defendants in the case were Glister-Mary Lee , which makes popcorn, Kroger and its subsidiary Dillon Cos.

“At this time we intend to file an appeal of the decision,” said Kelli McGannon, a spokeswoman for King Scoopers, which is owned by Dillon.

Chester, Ill.-based Glister-Mary Lee executives could not be reached for comment.

The disease bronchiolitis obliterans, which permanently scars airways and leaves victims fighting for breath, was first detected in popcorn factory workers.

Watson’s diagnosis was made by doctors at National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver.

National Institute of Occupational Health scientists determined that fumes of the chemical diacetyl in artificial butter flavoring was the agent.

“I just hope that this doesn’t happen to others,” Watson said in a statement. ” That’s why we filed the case.”

The jury in U.S. District Court in Denver awarded $2.3 million in actual damages and $5 million in punitive damages.