According to Professor O’Shea, the phrase originated when employees at a microwave popcorn factory began experiencing lung problems as a result of breathing in a substance known as diacetyl.
“Flavored vapes contain the chemical diacetyl, which, when aerosolized, becomes a ‘toxic inhalant’,” he explains, quoting the popcorn factory.
Furthermore, it doesn’t take much to cause significant harm.
O’Shea cautions, “It makes it harder for air to pass through the bronchioles (the smallest branches of the lungs) by causing inflammation and scarring.”
“Popcorn lung has no known treatment. Treatment is restricted to symptom management once lung damage has occurred.
