Health3 min(s) read
Published 16:27 27 May 2026 GMT
A warning has been issued to young people over "popcorn lung", a serious and irreversible condition linked to chemicals commonly found in vaping products.
Also known as bronchiolitis obliterans, popcorn lung has become increasingly associated with e-cigarettes and flavored vapes due to the presence of diacetyl, a chemical that can become dangerous when inhaled.
In an article for The Conversation, Professor of Chemistry at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Donal O'Shea, explained that the phrase "popcorn lung" first emerged in 2000 after several workers at a microwave popcorn factory developed severe lung problems linked to exposure to diacetyl.
Similarly to workers in the popcorn factory, people who use flavored vapes may inhale aerosolised diacetyl, which O'Shea described as a "toxic inhalant".
"It causes inflammation and scarring in the bronchioles (the smallest branches of the lungs), making it increasingly difficult for air to move through," said O'Shea.
"There’s no cure for popcorn lung. Once the lungs are damaged, treatment is limited to managing symptoms.
"This can include bronchodilators, steroids, and in extreme cases, lung transplantation. For this reason, prevention – not treatment – is the best and only defence."
While diacetyl is officially banned in e-cigarettes in the UK and EU, experts warn it can still appear in illegal vaping products. The chemical also remains legal in some products sold in the US and other parts of the world.
Cancer Research UK also notes that popcorn lung is not only linked to vaping. The condition can also develop after infections or exposure to chemicals that irritate and damage the lungs.
One of the biggest concerns around vaping is that scientists are still learning about its long-term health impact, particularly among younger users.
According to the Office for National Statistics, there are now more over-16s in the UK using vapes or e-cigarettes than traditional cigarettes. Daily vaping is most common among people aged between 25 and 49.
In the US, the CDC reported last year that e-cigarettes were the most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students. Among students who had ever used e-cigarettes, 43.6 percent reported current use.
Although research into the direct connection between vaping and popcorn lung remains limited, The American Lung Association has described popcorn lung as "a dangerous risk of flavored e-cigarettes".
The symptoms people are being told to watch for
Symptoms of popcorn lung typically appear between two weeks and two months after exposure to a toxic gas or following an illness.
According to WebMD, the two main symptoms are:
A dry cough
Shortness of breath
These symptoms are more likely to happen during exercise or physical labor.
Other warning signs can include unexplained tiredness and wheezing, even in people who do not have asthma or a cold.
The Cleveland Clinic also reports that some people may experience fever, night sweats, or a skin rash. In some cases, people may not notice symptoms at all during the early stages of the condition.
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