The risk of developing popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans) from vaping is a topic that has been a subject of concern and study. Popcorn lung is a serious lung disease that was initially associated with high levels of diacetyl, a chemical used in artificial butter flavoring, particularly in some microwave popcorn products. In the early 2000s, there were cases of popcorn factory workers developing ‘popcorn lung’ after prolonged exposure to diacetyl in the workplace.
Diacetyl, a flavoring agent that gives foods and other products a buttery flavor, was identified as a potential cause. In recent years, there have been concerns about diacetyl in e-cigarettes and vaping products. Although trace amounts have been found in e-liquid in the past, they have been far smaller than in cigarette smoke.
Early studies found that some e-liquids contained diacetyl, which raised safety concerns. However, it’s important to note that reputable vape manufacturers have taken steps to remove diacetyl from their products. In the UK, diacetyl was banned in e-cigarette liquids under the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) in 2016. Other Governments also took action to prohibit diacetyl in e-cigarettes, including Australia and the European Union.
However, Diacetyl can be found in many brands of combustible cigarettes, and people who smoke are exposed to as much as 750 times more diacetyl than people who vape. Despite this seemingly alarming exposure, there have been zero cases of popcorn lung linked to persons using combustible cigarettes and it is not considered a smoking-related disease by public health authorities.
In 2017, researchers published a three-and-a-half-year observational study of e-cigarette users who had never smoked. The researchers found no symptoms consistent with early signs of popcorn lung. And, Cancer Research UK has stated that the use of electronic cigarettes does not cause popcorn lung.
Fear-mongering may cause people who cannot stop smoking to avoid switching to safer products like electronic nicotine delivery systems. E-cigarettes are one of the tools that can help people who smoke to stop and there have been no confirmed cases of popcorn lung reported in people who use e-cigarettes.
Tags
Popular Posts
Quick Links
Related Posts
More about
Alcohol Harm Reduction
More about
