Vaping was once hailed as the less harmful sibling of smoking. Touted as a modern fix for quitting cigarettes, it quickly gained traction among youth and adults. The sleek design, sweet flavors, and absence of tobacco smoke made it seem like a healthier option. But as the years have passed, mounting evidence suggests that vaping is not without consequences. One of the most concerning developments is the potential for a dangerous condition called “popcorn lung.” Experts are now sounding the alarm, warning that the flavorings in e-cigarettes may do serious, lasting damage to the lungs.
What Is Popcorn Lung, and Why the Name?
Popcorn lung is the informal name for bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare but serious disease that damages the smallest airways in the lungs. The term became popular in the early 2000s after workers in a microwave popcorn plant fell ill from inhaling large amounts of diacetyl, a buttery flavoring used in popcorn production. The damage resulted in scarring of the bronchioles, making breathing difficult and often permanent. Though initially tied to popcorn factory workers, the condition is now being discussed in connection with vaping liquids that contain the same compound. This is not about eating popcorn. It is about inhaling chemical flavorings that were never meant to reach your lungs.
