What is popcorn lung?
If you research vaping, popcorn lung might pop up. It’s to do with the chemical that has a buttery flavour and was initially found in some vaping e-liquids.
Diacetyl and popcorn lung
Diacetyl is a chemical that makes a buttery flavour. The chemical, in cases of high exposure, has been associated with a rare disease called bronchiolitis obliterans.
The name ‘popcorn lung’ came from cases of the disease found in popcorn factory workers, who had high levels of exposure to diacetyl, which was used to flavour popcorn.
Diacetyl and vaping
Diacetyl used to be in vape e-liquid but is now banned in the UK and is not used by reputable manufacturers in New Zealand.
As of 11 August 2021, new regulations under the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Product Acts 1990 sets out safety standards for the quality of the vaping substance ingredients. Always do your research and read the label. Check the label for R18 warning, list of ingredients and its quantities, what is prohibited in a vape liquid etc.
For more information see legislation.govt.nz.
There have not been any cases of popcorn lung from vaping.
See how the UK are clearing up vaping myths.