Medical professionals are raising serious concerns over an irreversible lung condition increasingly associated with vaping, known medically as bronchiolitis obliterans and commonly referred to as “popcorn lung.” The condition damages the tiniest airways in the lungs, leading to persistent coughing, wheezing, and progressive shortness of breath.
The nickname “popcorn lung” originated from cases observed in workers at microwave popcorn factories who were exposed to diacetyl, a chemical previously used to create artificial buttery flavors. Though diacetyl has been banned from some food and consumer products, recent studies have identified its presence in several flavored e-cigarette and vape liquids.
“This is not just harmless water vapor,” warned one pulmonologist. “We’re seeing real, permanent damage in otherwise healthy individuals.”
Popcorn lung is particularly alarming because, unlike some other vaping-related conditions, it is permanent. Once the small airways (bronchioles) are scarred, there is no known cure, and treatment focuses solely on managing symptoms. Over time, the disease can significantly impair breathing and quality of life.
Medical professionals stress that many individuals—especially teenagers and young adults—are unaware of the long-term consequences of vaping. Public health officials are now urging users to reconsider their exposure to vaporized chemicals, particularly flavored products, which are most commonly linked to diacetyl exposure.
As research into the health effects of vaping continues, experts warn that the public must not underestimate the risks. What may seem like a safer alternative to smoking could, in fact, lead to lifelong respiratory issues.
Source: Medical reporting and public health advisories as of May 2025.
