Popcorn lung has become closely associated with vaping and e-cigarette use because of a chemical called diacetyl, which is often used to add flavor to vapor liquids. The compound has been directly linked to lung damage when inhaled in aerosol form.
In an article published by The Conversation, Professor Donal O’Shea from the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences explained that the term popcorn lung was first used around the year 2000. It originated after several workers at a microwave popcorn factory developed severe lung problems caused by breathing in diacetyl used to create the buttery flavor in popcorn.
“It causes inflammation and scarring in the bronchioles (the smallest branches of the lungs), making it increasingly difficult for air to move through,” said O’Shea.
“There’s no cure for popcorn lung. Once the lungs are damaged, treatment is limited to managing symptoms.”
What causes popcorn lung?
In the original popcorn factory cases, workers who breathed in high levels of diacetyl suffered permanent and disabling lung injuries. The scarring that formed in their airways left many struggling to breathe normally again.
While diacetyl has since been banned from e-cigarettes across the EU and UK, experts warn that it can still appear in unregulated or illegal vape products. Because these products often come from unverified sources, there’s no guarantee that they’re free of harmful ingredients.
The chemical remains legal in some areas, including parts of the United States and other countries, where oversight is limited and labeling rules can vary widely.
Is there a link between popcorn lung and vaping?
One of the biggest concerns about vaping is how little is still known about its long-term health effects. Scientists continue to study the habit, but the evidence so far has raised serious concerns about potential risks.
What is clear, however, is that vaping is becoming far more common among younger people. Its popularity has increased quickly, often because many see it as a safer alternative to smoking regular cigarettes.
According to data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics, more people over the age of 16 now use vapes or e-cigarettes than traditional tobacco products. That shift has caused growing alarm among health organizations monitoring the trend.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported last year that e-cigarettes were the most frequently used tobacco product among both middle and high school students. Of those who had ever tried vaping, about 43.6 percent said they were current users.
Although the scientific link between popcorn lung and vaping is still being explored, the American Lung Association has warned that popcorn lung remains “a dangerous risk of flavored e-cigarettes.”
What are the symptoms of popcorn lung?
The symptoms of popcorn lung can take time to appear, usually developing between two weeks and two months after someone has been exposed to toxic fumes or recovered from a severe respiratory infection. The gradual onset often makes the condition difficult to detect early.
According to WebMD, the most common symptoms include the following:
- A persistent dry cough that doesn’t seem to improve
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
Other common signs include feeling unusually tired without clear reason or experiencing wheezing even in the absence of asthma or a cold. Some may also develop unexplained fatigue that continues for weeks.
The Cleveland Clinic adds that other potential symptoms can involve fever, night sweats, or skin rashes. In certain cases, individuals with popcorn lung may not show any noticeable symptoms at first, allowing the condition to progress silently until it becomes much more severe.
