Can Vaping Cause “Popcorn Lung?”

If you’ve been anxiously Googling “popcorn lung” after hearing that it’s linked to vaping, you’re not alone. And, you don’t have to sort through the scary headlines by yourself—we’ll walk you through it. The term might sound playful, but the reality is anything but: popcorn lung is a serious condition caused by breathing in toxic chemicals, and it has been tied to ingredients found in some vape products.

So what exactly is popcorn lung and is it something you should be worried about if you currently vape? Here’s what you need to know about what causes it, how common it really is, and how to lower your risk—especially if you’re ready to quit or cut back on nicotine.

What Is Popcorn Lung Exactly?

Popcorn lung is the nickname for a rare condition called bronchiolitis obliterans, a type of irreversible lung disease that scars and narrows the bronchioles (the smallest airways in your lungs). Scar tissue builds as the bronchioles become injured and inflamed after exposure to harmful chemicals or fumes. Over time, that scarring thickens and narrows the airways, blocking airflow and making it harder to breathe. Once it becomes harder for oxygen to move freely, simple things like walking or climbing stairs can leave you short of breath and exhausted.

The name “popcorn lung” comes from a case in the early 2000s, when workers in a microwave popcorn factory developed severe lung problems after inhaling a chemical for butter flavoring called diacetyl. This chemical was once widely used in foods for its rich, creamy taste—but when inhaled, it proved toxic to lung tissue. Microwave popcorn makers removed it from their products years ago, but, because vaping is so loosely regulated, many e-liquids continued using it for years.

Common symptoms of popcorn lung include:

Persistent dry cough
Shortness of breath or wheezing
Chest tightness
Fatigue, even during mild physical activity

Unlike conditions such as asthma, popcorn lung isn’t resolved with inhalers or lifestyle changes—this type of lung damage is permanent.

Is Popcorn Lung Caused by Vaping?

Not directly—but there is a concerning link. Some early flavored e-cigarettes and e-liquids contained diacetyl, the same chemical tied to popcorn lung in factory workers.

In one reported case from 2012, a 17-year-old in Canada ended up in the hospital after vaping flavored cartridges and THC every day. His lungs were so damaged he needed life support and almost required a double-lung transplant. Doctors suspected bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as “popcorn lung.” Thankfully he survived, but his story is a reminder of how serious the risks of vaping can be—especially for young people.

A 2015 Harvard study found that more than 75% of flavored e-cigarettes tested contained diacetyl, the chemical tied to popcorn lung. Some products also contained related harmful chemicals like 2,3-pentanedione and acetoin.

While many major brands have since phased out diacetyl, regulation remains inconsistent. Disposable vapes and off-brand imports may still contain diacetyl or similarly harmful chemicals. Always check the ingredients of any vape you use to make sure diacetyl isn’t in it.

A 2024 Johns Hopkins study found that vape aerosols contained thousands of chemicals that were not disclosed by manufacturers and continue to be unidentified. These chemicals range from pesticides, to caffeine, to flavoring chemicals (sound familiar?). So, even when diacetyl isn’t present, vape aerosols have been shown to:

Trigger inflammation and swelling in lung tissue
Cause chronic cough and airway irritation
Expose users to toxic metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

That means popcorn lung is only part of the story. Conditions like nic sick—the nausea and dizziness caused by nicotine overload—are much more common and a sign that your body might be reacting to harmful exposure.

What are the signs you may have popcorn lung?

Because popcorn lung is rare and develops gradually, it’s easy to confuse the symptoms with asthma, bronchitis, or even just being “out of shape.” However, if you vape and notice:

A persistent cough that lingers for weeks
Shortness of breath, even while resting
Wheezing or chest tightness that doesn’t improve
Unusual fatigue from daily activities

…it could be a signal that your lungs need attention. These could be early signs of airway damage, whether from vaping or another respiratory condition.

Because popcorn lung doesn’t always show up on a regular X-ray, doctors may use lung function tests, chest CT scans, or even a biopsy to test for it and other similar conditions. Catching it early makes treatment more effective and helps protect your long-term health.

Want to understand how quitting may affect you over time? Our nicotine withdrawal timeline breaks down what to expect week by week.

Can Popcorn Lung Be Reversed?

Sadly, once bronchiolitis obliterans scar the tiny airways in your lungs, the damage can’t be undone. But, there are treatments to help improve quality of life, like inhalers, oxygen therapy or even lung transplant in severe cases.

That’s why prevention is what matters most. Steering clear of harmful aerosols from vapes, tobacco smoke, or workplace chemicals is the best way to keep your lungs healthy in the long run. Worried about the risks of vaping? Check out our guide on vaping and lung health.

Quitting Methods Compared

Method	How It Works	Pros	Cons
Cold turkey	Stop using nicotine completely, all at once.	Immediate nicotine-free start, no cost.	Strong withdrawal symptoms, high risk of vaping again.
Tapering vaping or smoking	Gradually reduce nicotine intake over time.	Gentler on the body, fewer withdrawal spikes.	Can be hard to stay consistent, easy to slip up
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)	Use FDA-approved products like mints, lozenges, gum, or patches to replace nicotine safely.	Reduces cravings, avoids lung exposure, proven effective.	Requires consistency, some cost.
Prescription medications	Doctor-prescribed options like varenicline (Chantix) or bupropion (Zyban).	Clinically tested, may ease cravings and mood symptoms.	Possible side effects, prescription needed.
Behavioral support & apps	Use quit programs, support groups, or digital tools to stay accountable.	Builds coping skills, social support, higher success rates.	Works best combined with NRT or medication.

Why Quit With Jones?

Quitting can be hard, but that’s where Jones comes in. We bring together proven tools, nicotine mints, and a supportive community-focused app to help you reach your goals—whether you’re looking to quit completely or are just cutting back.

Here’s how we help:

Nicotine Mints: 2mg or 4mg options to keep nicotine cravings in check—discreet, tasty, portable, and way better than smoke or vapor.
The Jones App: Think of it as your quit buddy. Personalized plan, daily check-ins, and a community that actually understands what you’re going through.

Real Progress: Celebrate the little wins, track how far you’ve come, see how much money you’ve saved, and get guidance that adjusts to you (not the other way around).

What About Disposable Vapes?

Disposable vapes are among the most unregulated products in the industry. Research has found that many of them still contain flavoring chemicals similar to diacetyl, along with:

Heavy metals from heating coils
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Additives that may not be disclosed on labels

Fruit, candy and dessert-flavored disposables are especially concerning. Without strict oversight, you can’t know exactly what you’re inhaling.

Switching to oral nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), like Jones lozenges, eliminates this risk. Instead of inhaling unknown chemicals, you can reduce nicotine cravings in a controlled, FDA-approved way.

FAQs

Does vaping directly cause popcorn lung?

Not always, but chemicals like diacetyl—once common in flavored e-liquids—can damage the bronchioles and raise the risk of popcorn lung.

What vape flavors are most associated with popcorn lung?

Diacetyl, when synthetically manufactured, is used in different artificial flavors to add a buttery quality. Many brands have phased it out, but labels aren’t always reliable as companies have been shown to include undisclosed chemicals.

How common is popcorn lung from vaping?

It’s rare, but possible. Chronic irritation and coughing from vaping are far more common and may lead to other respiratory conditions.

What’s the best way to avoid popcorn lung?

The safest choice is to avoid vaping altogether. If you’re looking for a healthier way to support your quit goals, NRT mints and lozenges offer nicotine without lung damage.