Popcorn Lung Myth – What is it in Vaping?
Definition
“Popcorn Lung Myth” is the widespread but scientifically debunked belief that vaping causes bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare lung disease nicknamed after workers in a microwave-popcorn factory who inhaled massive amounts of diacetyl butter flavouring. In vaping, the myth claims that trace diacetyl found in some early e-liquids poses the same risk. Australian health authorities and peer-reviewed studies show that diacetyl levels in legal nicotine e-liquids are hundreds of times lower than factory exposures, and no verified case of popcorn lung has ever been linked to vaping. Understanding this myth helps vapers make informed choices and avoid unnecessary fear.
Technical Details
Diacetyl is an organic compound once used to create creamy, buttery notes in high-VG dessert e-liquids. Laboratory testing measured its concentration in µg/ml (micrograms per millilitre). The original factory workers inhaled diacetyl at roughly 18,000–40,000 µg/m³ over 8-hour shifts, whereas tested Australian nicotine e-liquids now contain <10 µg/ml—below the strict US OSHA workplace limit. Since 2016, most reputable Australian and international manufacturers have removed diacetyl from formulations, replacing it with diketone-free substitutes such as acetoin or acetyl propionyl, or eliminated it entirely. Modern pod systems and low-wattage mouth-to-lung devices further reduce any theoretical exposure because they operate at 8–18 W, vaporising less total liquid per puff compared to high-wattage sub-ohm setups.
Usage & Tips
- Check lab reports: Choose e-liquids that display independent Australian lab certificates stating “ND” (non-detect) for diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione.
- Stick with reputable vendors: Avoid unregulated overseas marketplaces; use TGA-notified pharmacies or ISO-certified Aussie juice makers.
- Store correctly: Keep bottles sealed and away from sunlight; diketone-free flavours can still degrade if oxidised, altering taste and safety.
- Rotate flavours: If you vape dessert or custard profiles frequently, alternate with fruit or menthol to minimise cumulative exposure to any single flavour compound.
- Stay informed: Follow updates from Australian health bodies; the popcorn lung myth is often recycled in media cycles to create click-bait headlines.
History/Context
The scare began in 2015 when a Harvard press release highlighted diacetyl in a small sample of US e-liquids. Headlines equated “detectable” with “dangerous,” igniting global panic. Australian tobacco-control advocates adopted the narrative, but later NHMRC reviews found no epidemiological evidence. By 2018, local industry self-regulation and NICNAS guidance effectively eliminated diacetyl from legitimate supply chains, yet the myth persists on social media.