Vaping and Popcorn Lung: Understanding the Risks and Myths

In recent years, concerns have grown around the potential health risks associated with vaping, particularly the risk of “popcorn lung,” a condition more formally known as bronchiolitis obliterans. Originally linked to workers in popcorn factories exposed to the flavouring chemical diacetyl, this rare and serious lung disease has become a topic of discussion among e-cigarette users and public health experts alike.

What Is Popcorn Lung?

Popcorn lung is a type of lung disease that causes irreversible scarring and narrowing of the airways due to the inhalation of toxic chemicals. Its nickname comes from a 2000 case study where workers in a popcorn factory developed severe respiratory issues after being exposed to diacetyl, a chemical used to create a buttery flavour in foods. When inhaled over time, diacetyl can damage the lungs' small airways, leading to symptoms like persistent coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Diacetyl and Vaping

Concerns about diacetyl and vaping emerged after it was discovered that some e-cigarette liquids contained the chemical. Diacetyl is sometimes used to enhance flavours such as vanilla or caramel in “e-juices.” While the presence of diacetyl raised alarms about potential lung damage, research from Cancer Research UK highlights that diacetyl was banned in UK e-cigarette products in 2016 under the EU Tobacco Products Directive. This ban aimed to reduce health risks, but concerns remain in other markets where diacetyl is still found in certain vape products.

Is There a Proven Link Between Vaping and Popcorn Lung?

Currently, there are no confirmed cases of popcorn lung directly caused by vaping. In fact, the American Lung Association and Cancer Research UK both clarify that while diacetyl is harmful and linked to popcorn lung in industrial settings, its presence in e-cigarettes in regulated markets like the UK has been minimized. Public health advocates continue to study vaping-related lung injuries, but as of now, there is no direct evidence tying e-cigarettes to popcorn lung.

Other Vaping Health Concerns

Although the link between vaping and popcorn lung is inconclusive, vaping is not without risks. E-cigarettes have been associated with other lung conditions, including a 2019 outbreak of EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury) primarily related to black-market THC vapes. Health professionals encourage users to exercise caution, especially when purchasing products from unregulated sources.

Conclusion

Popcorn lung remains a serious condition, but its connection to vaping is still under study. Thanks to regulation, diacetyl is largely absent from UK e-liquids, which reduces the risk for consumers. Nevertheless, health professionals continue to advise caution with vaping, particularly around unregulated products, as new findings may further clarify the long-term health impacts of vaping.