Experts Warn About Irreversible 'Popcorn Lung' As Vaping Risks Become Clearer

A leading health expert has shared why stopping the habit before it starts is more effective than trying to treat the damage vaping causes — because the effects can be permanent.

Earlier this year, it was reported that a 17-year-old had developed a serious and irreversible illness called bronchiolitis obliterans — better known as 'popcorn lung' — after three years of regular vaping.

Donal O'Shea, a Professor of Chemistry at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, spoke out about the serious health concerns tied to popcorn lung and explained that the term actually dates back to the early days of vaping’s popularity.

Professor O'Shea went on to break down how the flavorings used in vapes are actually the main reason behind this kind of long-term damage to the lungs.

In a piece he wrote for The Conversation, he explained that the name 'popcorn lung' originally came from a case involving workers at a microwave popcorn factory.

Those workers were exposed to a chemical called diacetyl, which led to them developing severe lung issues.

That same chemical, diacetyl, is found in many flavored vape liquids. When it turns into vapor, it becomes a harmful substance that people end up breathing in.

Professor O'Shea explains: "It causes inflammation and scarring in the bronchioles (the smallest branches of the lungs), making it increasingly difficult for air to move through."

He warns: "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."

And diacetyl isn’t the only ingredient in vape products that poses a serious risk to lung health.

Inhaling this chemical can lead to permanent damage, often leaving the lungs in a disabled state that’s tough to live with.

Although diacetyl has been officially banned from e-cigarette products across the UK and EU, it still finds its way into some illegal or unregulated items being sold on the market.

Vaping can cause irreversible damage Getty Stock Images

This harmful chemical is also still found in products available in the US and many other parts of the world.

But it’s not just diacetyl that can lead to 'popcorn lung'. Other hazardous chemicals in vape products could also trigger the same effect.

Professor O'Shea notes: "Including volatile carbonyls like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde – both of which have also been detected in e-cigarette vapours."

He further explained that experts have identified over 180 different types of flavoring agents used in e-cigarette products today. W

hen these ingredients are heated during use, they break down into new substances, many of which have never been properly studied to determine if they are safe to inhale.

The expert advises for prevention not treatment Getty Stock Images

"Because vapers' lungs are exposed to so many chemicals, it's not possible to directly prove that diacetyl is the cause of the disease in any specific case. But that doesn't negate the proven risks of inhaling it," he continues. "Even if diacetyl isn't the sole culprit, cumulative exposure to multiple chemicals and their byproducts could increase the risk of popcorn lung and other respiratory conditions."

Because of this, Professor O'Shea strongly believes that avoiding vaping altogether is the best way to protect your lungs — since treating the damage after it’s done often isn’t possible.