Does Vaping Cause Popcorn Lung
One of the most persistent myths about vaping is that it causes a condition known as popcorn lung. The term sounds alarming, and it often appears in headlines or internet forums without context. However, the claim that vaping causes popcorn lung is not supported by current evidence, especially when discussing legal, regulated vape products sold in the UK. The confusion comes from a single chemical that was once found in certain flavourings and has since been banned in regulated e-liquids. To understand the truth behind the claim, it helps to look at what popcorn lung actually is, where the concern came from, and how today’s vape products are formulated.
What Is Popcorn Lung
Popcorn lung is the common name for a rare condition called bronchiolitis obliterans. It affects the small airways in the lungs, causing scarring and inflammation that can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. The nickname “popcorn lung” comes from a case in the early 2000s involving workers in a microwave popcorn factory. These individuals developed lung problems after prolonged exposure to diacetyl, a flavouring compound used to give popcorn its buttery taste. It was later found that breathing in high levels of diacetyl over long periods, especially in industrial settings, could damage the lungs.
Diacetyl and E-Liquids
The concern around vaping and popcorn lung began when some early studies found traces of diacetyl in flavoured e-liquids, particularly those with dessert or creamy profiles. While the levels were much lower than those found in the popcorn factory case, the headlines linking vaping to popcorn lung quickly spread. What many people don’t realise is that diacetyl is now banned in e-liquids sold in the UK and Europe under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations. Legal vape products in the UK are tested and must not contain this compound. As a result, the risk of developing popcorn lung from regulated vaping products is considered extremely low to non-existent.
The Scientific Evidence
To date, there are no confirmed cases of popcorn lung linked to vaping in the UK or globally. The majority of the concern stems from theoretical risks based on exposure to diacetyl, rather than observed outcomes in vapers. Studies examining the lung health of vapers have not shown any pattern consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans. In fact, many former smokers who switch to vaping report improved breathing and lung function, particularly when vaping is used as a complete replacement for cigarettes.
Misunderstanding the Risk
The link between vaping and popcorn lung has been overstated by media reports and misinformation campaigns. In many cases, the term is used to provoke fear without providing the full context. This has led some smokers to avoid switching to vaping, despite the fact that cigarettes themselves contain far higher levels of diacetyl than any e-liquid ever has. Ironically, continuing to smoke poses a much greater risk to lung health than switching to a regulated vape.
UK Regulation and Safety
The UK has some of the most stringent regulations on vaping products in the world. E-liquids must be registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and tested for harmful substances. Diacetyl is specifically banned, along with other chemicals that pose unnecessary risks to users. If you are buying vape products from a trusted UK supplier, you can be confident that they do not contain diacetyl or other banned additives linked to popcorn lung.
Summary
Vaping does not cause popcorn lung when using regulated e-liquids sold legally in the UK. The condition is linked to diacetyl exposure in industrial settings, not from using tested vape products. The myth persists largely due to misunderstanding and outdated information. In reality, UK-compliant e-liquids are free from diacetyl and are subject to strict safety checks. For smokers looking to switch, vaping remains a far safer alternative and does not carry the risks associated with this rare lung disease.