The term ‘popcorn lung’ emerged in the early 2000s after several health problems were reported among U.S. workers in the microwave popcorn industry. These workers were exposed to diacetyl, a chemical that causes serious damage to their bronchioles. Diacetyl is a buttery flavoring agent used in popcorn production. Shortness of breath, wheezing, and chronic coughing were major symptoms reported by affected workers. The only available treatments for the irreversible and frequently impairing damage are symptom management, in the worst situations, and lung transplantation.
This article suggests that diacetyl has been banned in e-cigarettes in regions including Europe and the United Kingdom. However, it is still allowed in the U.S. and may be present in the form of an illegal or unregulated vape product. Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde are among the most dangerous compounds frequently present in e-cigarette vapor. The chemicals used in e-liquids have not been adequately studied for inhalation safety, which is the main issue despite being permitted for use in food products.
These substances enter the bloodstream through the lungs, bypassing the liver and digestive tract. The respiratory and cardiovascular systems are at higher risk from this exposure route. One of the incidents of a U.S. teenager who developed popcorn lung after secretly vaping for three years is one of the prominent examples reported. This story matched with the EVALI outbreak in 2019, which resulted in 68 fatalities and >2800 individuals’ hospitalizations. These events highlighted how the use of e-cigarettes results in acute and serious lung damage even in young and healthy people. Due to different flavors, including bubble gum and mango ice, vaping has attracted the attention of youth. Although these flavors appeal to youth, they frequently contain potentially dangerous ingredients. Certain vapes may use substances like 2,3-pentanedione, which may be equally dangerous even though they do not include diacetyl.
According to experts, vaping products use more than 180 distinct flavoring ingredients. When heated, many of them can break down into new, potentially harmful molecules, and the majority have not been well tested for inhalation safety. Recent studies have measured the effect of vaping on the respiratory health of teenagers. Even after controlling for traditional smoking habits, teenagers who vape more report greater respiratory symptoms than those who do not vape, as per a multinational study.
These results reflect a similar pattern to the diacetyl-related industrial health disaster. The regulations were changed in those days to safeguard industry workers. Just like the situation at the popcorn mill, vaping exposes users to substances that are harmful to the lungs.
This study demonstrates how ingested flavoring compounds, even those declared safe in food, may cause long-term harm and contribute to the current youth vaping pandemic, given the increasing proof that vaping is associated with serious lung illness and respiratory symptoms. The study highlighted the need for quick regulatory action and public awareness to avoid another health emergency.
Reference: O’Shea D, McElvaney G. Popcorn lung: how vaping could scar your lungs for life. The Conversation. Published April 25, 2025. Accessed May 5, 2025. Popcorn lung: how vaping could scar your lungs for life
