In recent years, vaping has been hailed by many public health authorities as a potentially less harmful alternative to smoking combustible tobacco. Yet, despite growing evidence supporting its harm-reduction potential, misconceptions persist—none more widespread and emotionally charged than the claim that vaping causes “popcorn lung.” This term, while catchy and alarming, is largely a myth when it comes to vaping and is often used as a tool for scaremongering, deterring smokers from making the switch to vaping.
What Is “Popcorn Lung”?
“Popcorn lung” is the colloquial name for a rare and serious lung condition known as bronchiolitis obliterans. The term originated in the early 2000s when workers at a microwave popcorn plant developed respiratory issues after being exposed to high levels of diacetyl, a buttery flavoring chemical used in some artificial food flavorings.
This discovery raised valid occupational health concerns in industrial settings where diacetyl was used in large, unregulated quantities. The condition is characterized by scarring and narrowing of the small airways in the lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
How Did Diacetyl Become Linked to Vaping?
The link between vaping and popcorn lung stems from early studies (around 2015) that identified diacetyl in some flavored e-liquids, particularly dessert and buttery varieties. The alarm bells rang immediately—if diacetyl is linked to bronchiolitis obliterans in factory workers, could vapers also be at risk?
However, this comparison is misleading. The key difference is exposure level and method:
- The popcorn factory workers inhaled high concentrations of diacetyl over prolonged periods in unventilated environments.
- The trace amounts (if present at all) in early e-liquids were many orders of magnitude lower, and modern reputable e-liquid brands in regions like the UK and EU have long since removed diacetyl from their formulations due to tight regulations like those under the TPD (Tobacco Products Directive).
Current Regulations and Testing
In regulated markets, diacetyl is banned or strictly limited in e-liquids. For example:
- UK and EU: Diacetyl is prohibited in e-liquids sold legally.
- USA: Though not universally banned, many reputable manufacturers voluntarily exclude diacetyl and conduct third-party lab testing to ensure safety.
As a result, the vast majority of e-liquids on today’s market do not contain diacetyl in any meaningful quantity. In contrast, combustible cigarettes still contain hundreds of times more diacetyl than early e-liquids ever did—yet “popcorn lung” has never been diagnosed in a smoker due to diacetyl exposure from cigarettes.
The Science Says: No Link Found
To date, there have been no confirmed cases of bronchiolitis obliterans (popcorn lung) caused by vaping. Multiple health bodies and reviews—including Public Health England (now the UK Health Security Agency)—have affirmed that the risk of developing this condition from vaping is negligible to non-existent, particularly when using regulated products.
Furthermore, some studies that were initially cited to spark public fear were often misrepresented or misunderstood. The presence of diacetyl in a liquid doesn’t automatically equate to risk—dose and exposure matter.
Scaremongering vs Harm Reduction
The persistence of the popcorn lung myth isn’t just a scientific misstep—it’s a public health issue. By pushing exaggerated or unfounded fears, misinformation campaigns may:
- Discourage smokers from switching to a less harmful alternative.
- Lead current vapers to relapse into smoking.
- Undermine public confidence in legitimate harm reduction strategies.
It’s important to differentiate between genuine concerns and scare tactics. The myth of popcorn lung is often repeated not because of evidence, but because it taps into emotional fear—something far more powerful than rational analysis.
Conclusion: Focus on Evidence, Not Emotion
While no product is entirely risk-free, the claim that vaping causes popcorn lung is not supported by current science. Vaping, particularly when using reputable and regulated products, poses significantly fewer health risks than smoking. Misinformation like the popcorn lung myth only serves to cloud public understanding and hinder the progress of tobacco harm reduction efforts.
For smokers considering a switch, it’s essential to seek fact-based guidance and ignore sensationalist headlines. The truth is clear: popcorn lung is a myth in the vaping world—and it’s time we stopped letting myths shape our public health decisions.