Debunking the Myth: Does Vaping Cause Popcorn Lung?

The Truth About Vaping and Popcorn Lung

Misinformation about vaping is everywhere, fuelled by the legally mandated restrictions on advertising for vape companies. One of the most persistent myths is that “vaping causes popcorn lung.” In this article, we’ll explain what popcorn lung is, where the myth originated, what actually causes it, and why vaping does not cause popcorn lung.

What Is Popcorn Lung?

Popcorn lung, or Bronchiolitis Obliterans (BO), is a rare and serious lung disease [1]. BO damages the small airways in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath

• Dry cough

• Wheezing

• Chest pain

• Frequent respiratory infections

The most common causes of popcorn lung include viral infections such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can be prevented through proper hygiene practices like cleaning baby toys and washing hands regularly.

Where Did the Popcorn Lung Myth Come From?

Popcorn lung existed long before it was identified. The disease was first linked to workers in a microwave popcorn factory in the early 2000s. Studies found that exposure to diacetyl, a buttery-flavoured chemical used in popcorn production, caused lung damage [2]. Since then, other causes of BO have been identified, including:

• Chemical exposure (e.g., chlorine gas, formaldehyde)

• Respiratory viruses (e.g., RSV, commonly affecting children and babies)

Does Vaping Contain Diacetyl and Cause Popcorn Lung?

A common Google search claim is that diacetyl is found in e-liquids, leading to popcorn lung. However, this is false—at least in the UK.

Why? Because the UK has some of the strictest vaping regulations in the world. We follow the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) Law, which regulates everything from ingredient safety to packaging and sales. Diacetyl is completely banned in UK e-liquids.

If you're purchasing e-liquids from a legitimate UK retailer, you are not at risk of exposure to diacetyl. However, if you're buying from unregulated, illegal sources, such as shops selling unbranded vapes for cash, there is no guarantee of safety. Any e-liquid containing diacetyl is ILLEGAL and should be reported to the MHRA [3].

Does TPD Law Protect Against All Harmful Chemicals?

Not entirely—but it significantly reduces risk. While we don’t yet fully understand the effects of every chemical, UK e-liquid manufacturers work together to ensure safety. When research suggests that an ingredient—like acetoin—may be harmful, reputable brands remove it from their products.

This is why some flavours, like butterscotch, are harder to find. The best flavouring compounds for butterscotch were found to be harmful to the lungs, so they were removed. Until safer alternatives are discovered, we’ll have to stick to making homemade desserts instead!

The Bottom Line: Vaping Does Not Cause Popcorn Lung

The claim that vaping causes popcorn lung is a myth, debunked by science and strict UK regulations. As long as you purchase from reputable UK vape retailers, you are protected by TPD laws, which ban harmful ingredients like diacetyl.

For a safer alternative to smoking, vaping remains a regulated and controlled option—far from the misleading scare stories circulating online.

Sources

[1] Bronchiolitis - NHS
[2] What is Popcorn Lung? - Sydney Respiratory Specialist
[3] The Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020