An expert has highlighted the importance of focusing on ‘prevention’ over ‘treatment’ concerning vaping due to its ‘permanent’ consequences.
Earlier this year, a 17-year-old was found to have bronchiolitis obliterans, commonly known as ‘popcorn lung’, after three years of vaping.
Donal O’Shea, a Professor of Chemistry at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, has discussed the serious risks associated with ‘popcorn lung’ and explained the historical origins of the term, which predate the introduction of vapes.
He further detailed how the flavouring agents in vapes can cause lasting harm to the body.
In The Conversation, Professor O’Shea explained that ‘popcorn lung’ originated when several workers in a microwave popcorn factory developed lung issues due to exposure to a chemical called diacetyl.
Flavored vapes, similar to the popcorn factory environment, contain diacetyl, which becomes a ‘toxic inhalant’ when aerosolized.
According to Professor O’Shea, “It causes inflammation and scarring in the bronchioles (the smallest branches of the lungs), making it increasingly difficult for air to move through.”
He cautions, “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.”
Moreover, diacetyl is not the only harmful chemical present in vapes that can cause such effects.
The impact of inhaling diacetyl results in ‘permanent’ and ‘often disabling lung damage’.
While diacetyl is now banned in e-cigarettes in the EU and UK, it can still be found in illegal products and remains present in the US and other areas.
‘Popcorn lung’ can also be ‘triggered’ by other toxic substances.
According to Professor O’Shea: “Including volatile carbonyls like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde – both of which have also been detected in e-cigarette vapours.”
He highlights that experts estimate ‘over 180 different flavouring agents used in e-cigarette products today’ which, when heated, decompose into ‘new compounds’ not all of which have been ‘tested for inhalation safety’.
“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 emphasizes. “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.”
Consequently, he advocates for ‘prevention’ as the only viable approach regarding vaping.