Vaping FAQs

what is popcorn lung vaping

by Dr. Ozella Herman DDS Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Vaping and Popcorn Lung
Diacetyl is frequently added to flavored e-liquid to enhance the taste. Inhaling diacetyl causes inflammation and may lead to permanent scarring in the smallest branches of the airways — popcorn lung — which makes breathing difficult. Popcorn lung has no lasting treatment.

What are the chances of getting popcorn lung from vaping?

“There’s no good evidence that e-cigarettes could cause the lung condition called popcorn lung. There’s been no cases of popcorn lung reported in people who use e-cigarettes.” source: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/cancer-controversies/does-vaping-cause-popcorn-lung

Why vaping will not give you popcorn lung?

Many vape juices are made without diacetyl. It's not a necessary flavor additive. Workers who had been close to vats that were giving off diacetyl vapor were found to have severely increased risk for lung disease, and diacetyl-induced bronchiolitis obliterans was henceforth referred to as "popcorn lung."

Does vaping really cause popcorn lung?

Vaping in itself is not the cause of popcorn lung, rather certain chemicals and additives previously used in e-liquid flavours were the culprits, and have swiftly since been removed from vaping products by major suppliers. Some ingredients and additives in e-liquids and THC vaping products have been the suspect to causing popcorn lung: Diacetyl.

What is another common cause of popcorn lung?

Other chemicals that may contribute to popcorn lung when inhaled include:

  • chlorine
  • ammonia
  • sulfur dioxide
  • nitrogen dioxide
  • fumes from welding
  • acetaldehyde
  • formaldehyde
  • hydrochloric acid
  • phosgene
  • mustard gas

See more

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What are symptoms of popcorn lung?

Signs and symptoms of popcorn lung include:Coughing, especially during and after exercise. Coughs may sometimes bring up mucus.Shortness of breath (dyspnea), especially during and after exercise.Wheezing.Tiredness.Fever.Night sweats.Skin rash.

How does popcorn lung happen?

When inhaled, diacetyl causes bronchiolitis obliterans - more commonly referred to as "popcorn lung" - a scarring of the tiny air sacs in the lungs resulting in the thickening and narrowing of the airways.

How do lungs heal from vaping?

However, there are certain lifestyle behaviors you can practice to try and accelerate the rate at which your lungs heal.Drink Lots Of Water. ... Eat Healthy Foods. ... Exercise Regularly. ... Cough. ... Clean Your Living Space. ... Practice Deep Breathing. ... Try Steam Therapy.

Is vaping worse than smoking?

1: Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it's still not safe. E-cigarettes heat nicotine (extracted from tobacco), flavorings and other chemicals to create an aerosol that you inhale. Regular tobacco cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic.

Does vaping hurt your lungs?

Breathing in the harmful chemicals from vaping products can cause irreversible (cannot be cured) lung damage, lung disease and, in some cases, death. Some chemicals in vaping products can also cause cardiovascular disease and biological changes that are associated with cancer development.

How long does it take for vaping to affect your lungs?

Exposure for just three days was enough to incur sufficient damage to their lungs, setting the stage for long-term chronic lung damage.

Can a doctor tell if you vape?

Medical tests can detect nicotine in people's urine, blood, saliva, hair, and nails. Nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco, cigarettes, and vapes or e-cigarettes.

What is the safest vape to use?

If you are looking for the safest vape kit then you might want to consider disposables or pod kits. These are often low powered and have safety cuts offs as well as other features to prevent them from overheating. Not only as disposables one of the safest vape kits, but they are also super easy to use.

What are 5 risks of vaping?

Vaping has been linked to lung injury.Rapid onset of coughing.Breathing difficulties.Weight loss.Nausea and vomiting.Diarrhea.

How many puffs of a vape is equal to a cigarette?

10 puffsTypically, manufacturers advise that 10 puffs on your vape are about the same as 10 puffs on your cigarette. They further speculate that 10 puffs are all you take on one cigarette. Of course, this varies based on how big your puffs are, how strong your vape device is, and how much nicotine you are using.

Should I vape to quit smoking?

Nicotine vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking. It's also one of the most effective tools for quitting smoking. Vaping is not recommended for non-smokers and young people because it is not completely harmless.

What does vaping do to your brain?

The majority of vape liquids contain nicotine. In addition to being highly addictive, nicotine alters the neurotransmitters in the brain. It has been found to slow brain development in teens and affect memory, decision-making, concentration, self-control, and mood.

Can you get popcorn lung from eating popcorn?

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health studied the effects of diacetyl exposure at six microwave popcorn plants. The researchers found a link between long-term exposure and lung damage. Popcorn lung wasn't considered a risk to consumers of microwave popcorn.

Does popcorn lung show on xray?

To diagnose popcorn lung, your doctor will order a chest X-ray or CT scan. They may also use a pulmonary function test. This test measures how well your lungs are functioning. The most definitive way to diagnose popcorn lung is a surgical lung biopsy.

Can popcorn get stuck in your lungs?

Doctors also discovered the toddler had inhaled chunks of popcorn that were stuck in his lung and causing the pneumonia. PARKER, Colo. – A Colorado couple's Facebook post is getting international attention after their son inhaled pieces of popcorn he was eating and developed a dangerous lung infection.

Which vape flavors contain diacetyl?

Some of the flavorings that are known to contain diacetyl are pastry flavors, some custards, and cherry flavors. While it's true you can create your own vape juice, and many of our readers do, blending should be done by a professional chemist.

What is popcorn lung?

Bronchiolitis obliterans is a rare form of lung disease. It’s commonly called popcorn lung. Popcorn lung results in scarring and inflammation to the bronchioles. These are the lung’s smallest airways. When they’re inflamed, symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing can occur.

How long does it take for a popcorn lung to show symptoms?

Symptoms of popcorn lung are similar to those of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Popcorn lung symptoms often occur two to eight weeks after exposure to harmful chemicals, particles, or toxic fumes.

How to prevent popcorn lung?

The best way to prevent popcorn lung is to limit exposure to harmful toxins and chemicals. Make sure you’re protected at work and quit smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices. Last medically reviewed on September 4, 2018.

Why is popcorn lung called popcorn lung?

When they’re inflamed, symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing can occur. “Popcorn lung” may sound strange, but it got that name for a good reason. Workers in a popcorn factory became sick after breathing in harmful chemicals. One of those chemicals is diacetyl.

How to diagnose popcorn lung?

The most definitive way to diagnose popcorn lung is a surgical lung biopsy. General anesthesia may be needed for this type of biopsy. Your surgeon will make an incision on your chest and remove a piece of lung tissue. They’ll then send the lung sample to a lab for analysis.

What percentage of flavored e-cigarettes are positive for diacetyl?

Researchers found that more than 75 percent of flavored e-cigarettes and refill liquids tested positive for diacetyl — the same chemical responsible for this disease in microwave popcorn factory workers.

What are the symptoms of a symtom?

Other symptoms may include: flu-like illness with fever. unexplained fatigue. weight loss. wheezing. eye, skin, mouth, or nose irritation, if caused by chemical exposure. Seek immediate medical attention if your symptoms worse n, or if you experience: difficulty breathing.

What is popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans)?

Popcorn lung is a serious and irreversible condition in which the tiny air sacs in the lungs become scarred and constricted, which results in no air movement or O2 - CO2 exchange in the lungs .

Can e-Cigarettes Cause Popcorn Lung?

A study published in 2015 in the Journal Environmental Health Perspectives showed that harmful chemicals associated with popcorn lung, or bronchiolitis obliterans, are found in many types of flavored e-cigarettes, particularly those with flavors like fruit and candy, which may appeal to young smokers.

What causes popcorn lung?

In 2004, The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported several cases of bronchiolitis obliterans in workers in a microwave popcorn plant in Missouri in 2000. After investigation by the NIOSH (National Institute of Occupation Safety and Health), it was discovered that a flavoring agent termed diacetyl (2,3-butanedione) was used to give the popcorn a buttery taste. Inhaling this chemical flavoring likely contributed to the development of this lung disease.

How is popcorn lung diagnosed?

The diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans lung begins by taking a thorough history, and additional testing is required to confirm the diagnosis. Lung function testing ( spirometry ), chest X-rays, and CT scans usually are done to help determine a preliminary diagnosis. Lung tissue biopsy, which often requires an open lung surgical procedure, is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans. The disease can be randomly located in lung tissue, making it difficult at times for the pathologist to make an accurate diagnosis.

What is the life expectancy for popcorn lung? Is it fatal?

According to the CDC, most individuals show little or no response to medical treatments for popcorn lung. However, if a person is diagnosed early and exposure to the chemicals are stopped, he or she may note a decrease or discontinuation of symptoms such chronic cough.

What is the popcorn lung case?

More recently, a legal case was settled in Colorado for over 7 million dollars. The award was granted to a consumer who developed bronchiolitis obliterans ("popcorn lung") after eating two bags of microwaved popcorn every day for 10 years. Since workers who manufacture microwaved popcorn were at risk, the judgment stated that the popcorn manufacturers and the supermarket corporations should have realized that consumers could also be at risk of this lung disease.

How to diagnose bronchiolitis obliterans?

The diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans lung begins by taking a thorough history, and additional testing is required to confirm the diagnosis. Lung function testing ( spirometry ), chest X-rays, and CT scans usually are done to help determine a preliminary diagnosis. Lung tissue biopsy, which often requires an open lung surgical procedure, is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans. The disease can be randomly located in lung tissue, making it difficult at times for the pathologist to make an accurate diagnosis.

What is popcorn lung?

Popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans) is a type of lung disease, but it is not cancer. Although popcorn lung is very rare, some e-cigarette users may worry about it.

Can e-cigarettes cause popcorn lung?

No. There’s no good evidence that e-cigarettes could cause the lung condition called popcorn lung. There’s been no confirmed cases of popcorn lung reported in people who use e -cigarettes. If you're someone who smokes, the best thing you can do for your health is to stop.

Is diacetyl in e-cigarettes?

In the UK, diacetyl was ban ned in e-cigarette liquids under the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) in 2016. So, e-liquids sold in the UK shouldn’t contain diacetyl. E-cigarettes are a relatively new product – they aren’t risk-free and we don’t yet know their long-term impact.

Is vaping better than smoking?

But research so far shows that vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco, and can help people to stop smoking. For the best chance of quitting, get support from a Stop Smoking Service, who can help you find the right tools for you.

What are the symptoms of popcorn lung?

The symptoms for a person with popcorn lung are coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

What is the name of the disease that is caused by microwave popcorn?

The formal name for this rare disease is obliterative bronchiolitis. In 2000 eight workers from a microwave popcorn factory reported having lung issues. The CDC reported that “All eight had a respiratory illness resembling bronchiolitis obliterans with symptoms of cough and dyspnea on exertion, had worked at the same popcorn factory.”.

What is popcorn lung?

It is a serious lung condition. Commonly called by its nickname "Popcorn lung". Maybe you have heard of this recently in the media associated with the dangers of vaping.

Can e-cigarettes cause popcorn lung?

Cancer Research UK added that “There’s no good evidence that e-cigarettes could cause the lung condition called popcorn lung. There have been no cases of popcorn lung reported in people who use e-cigarettes.”. In the past, tests were done on various e-liquid flavors and there were amounts of diacetyl found in them.

Is popcorn lung a cigarette?

Smoking combustible cigarettes has many deadly consequences, but obliterative bronchiolitis aka popcorn lung is not yet proven to be one. Overall, popcorn lung from vaping is a myth. Not yet seen in vapers or cigarette smokers.

Does e-liquid cause popcorn lung?

Those who smoke traditional cigarettes, which contain much more diacetyl than e-liquid ever did, did not get popcorn lung either. Assuming that the e-liquid actually contains diacetyl, this chemical is yet to be linked with the disease known as popcorn lung. A 2014 study published in Critical Reviews in Toxicology stated, ...

Is diacetyl in e-liquid?

In the past, tests were done on various e-liquid flavors and there were amounts of diacetyl found in them. In general, a majority of e-liquid flavors are leaving this ingredient out completely.

What is a vape device?

Vape devices contain coils that heat up the vaping liquid, typically a mixture of chemicals. The coils transform the liquid into an aerosol mist or vapor that can be inhaled, delivering these chemicals to the lungs and placing users at risk for severe damage to their pulmonary system.

How often do vape users smoke?

An additional 12 percent of habitual vape users smoked once a month or more often. By contrast, less than 1 percent of students who did not vape smoked cigarettes. E-cigarettes are toxic to more than the lungs.

What percentage of flavored e-cigarettes contain diacetyl?

Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston found that 75 percent of flavored e-cigarettes and refill liquids contain diacetyl. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the sale of certain flavored e-cigarettes to minors.

How long does it take for popcorn lung to show?

It can take weeks before symptoms of popcorn lung appear. The most common symptom is shortness of breath. Others include coughing, wheezing, fatigue and a crackling sound when breathing in.

What is popcorn lung?

It's bronchiolitis obliterans — informally called “popcorn worker’s lung” or “popcorn lung” — and it's a debilitating type of lung disease. Popcorn lung occurs as a result of scarring in the bronchioles, the small airways of the lungs. The scarring itself is caused by some form of injury to the lungs, which in turn causes the airways to narrow, ...

Why is diacetyl in popcorn?

One culprit implicated in the condition is diacetyl, an ingredient that used to be included in the manufacturing of popcorn products to give it a buttery flavor — thus its nickname — and is now included in many e-cigarettes. While manufacturers of popcorn removed diacetyl from their products after it was linked to popcorn lung in workers who ...

When was the study published on vaping?

The results of the study, published in December 2019 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, come from an analysis of data from a study that followed the vaping and tobacco behaviors as well as new diagnoses of lung disease in thousands of American adults over several years.

How Did Popcorn Lung Become Linked with Vaping?

In 2015, a single study was conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health. It looked at whether e-cigarette liquid contained diacetyl. Only 51 of over 4000 available flavors were tested. 39 of the 51 e-liquids tested contained some level of the flavor chemical.

What is the name of the disease that was contracted by popcorn factory workers?

In 2002, a dangerous but rare lung disease, bronchiolitis obliterans came to be known as “popcorn lung” when 8 workers at a popcorn factory contracted the disease. Air samples tested in the room where workers got sick showed a high amount of diacetyl. Diacetyl was used to give the popcorn a buttery flavor.

How many micrograms of diacetyl are in a pack of cigarettes?

For the record, there are over 6000 micrograms of diacetyl in every pack of cigarettes and so far not a single smoker has contracted popcorn lung.

Does vaping cause popcorn lung?

It has been years since scientific tests concluded that vaping does not cause popcorn lung. What’s more, most manufacturers no longer use diacetyl as a flavor ingredient. The answer is that many people still believe diacetyl is found in all flavored e-liquids – and that vaping diacetyl is dangerous. The 2002 case of 2 workers in a popcorn factory who contracted bronchiolitis obliterans will not be forgotten. Neither will the sensational “diacetyl scare” headlines that appeared when the Harvard University report was published.

Is diacetyl in e-cigarettes safe?

He agreed with Cancer Research UK, that diacetyl in e-cigarettes is highly unlikely to cause popcorn lung; however, he did say that the ingredient was an “avoidable risk” and should be removed from vapor products.

Is popcorn lung disease rare?

Konstantinos Farsalinos concluded that contracting bronchiolitis obliterans (“popcorn lung disease”) is rare, even in cases of exposure to high levels of diacetyl.

Can e-cigarettes cause popcorn lung?

The Harvard study did not look at whether there was a link between e-cigarette use and popcorn lung, yet the idea that e-cigarettes may cause popcorn lung came from this study.

What happens if you inhale diacetyl?

Diacetyl is frequently added to flavored e-liquid to enhance the taste. Inhaling diacetyl causes inflammation and may lead to permanent scarring in the smallest branches of the airways — popcorn lung — which makes breathing difficult. Popcorn lung has no lasting treatment. There are, however, treatments that manage BO symptoms, such as: 1 Coughing 2 Wheezing 3 Chest pain 4 Shortness of breath

What is a vape pen?

With vaping, a device (typically a vape pen or a mod — an enhanced vape pen — that may look like a flash drive) heats up a liquid ( called vape juice or e -liquid) until it turns into a vapor that you inhale. “Vaping is a delivery system similar to a nebulizer, which people with asthma or other lung conditions may be familiar with,” says Broderick. ...

What to do if your lung hurts?

What to Do If Your Lungs Hurt. If you smoke or vape, don’t brush off chest or lung pain as something that’s normal. If you have pain or other symptoms associated with breathing difficulties, such as shortness of breath and chronic cough, it’s important to see a doctor.

What is the condition called when you get sick from eating popcorn?

“Popcorn lung” is another name for bronchiolitis obliterans (BO), a rare condition that results from damage of the lungs’ small airways. BO was originally discovered when popcorn factory workers started getting sick. The culprit was diacetyl, a food additive used to simulate butter flavor in microwave popcorn.

Does diacetyl help with popcorn lung?

Diacetyl is frequently added to flavored e-liquid to enhance the taste. Inhaling diacetyl causes inflammation and may lead to permanent scarring in the smallest branches of the airways — popcorn lung — which makes breathing difficult. Popcorn lung has no lasting treatment. There are, however, treatments that manage BO symptoms, such as:

What is the chemical that can damage your lungs?

Acrolein: Most often used as a weed killer, this chemical can also damage lungs.

What is the food additive used to deepen e-cigarette flavors?

Diacetyl: This food additive, used to deepen e-cigarette flavors, is known to damage small passageways in the lungs.

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