E-cigarettes Linked to Incurable ‘Popcorn Lung’ Disease

E-cigarettes linked to incurable ‘Popcorn Lung’ disease.

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According to researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the harmful ingredient is the flavoring, as more than three out of four e-cigarettes and refill liquids they tested contained Diacetyl, a chemical linked to the disease, properly called bronchiolitis obliterans.

“Recognition of the hazards associated with inhaling flavoring chemicals started with ‘Popcorn Lung’ over a decade ago. However, diacetyl and other related flavoring chemicals are used in many other flavors beyond butter-flavored popcorn, including fruit flavors, alcohol flavors, and, we learned in our study, candy flavored e-cigarettes,” said lead author Joseph Allen, assistant professor of exposure assessment science, according to a release on the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health website.

The study selected 51 types of flavored e-cigarettes “sold by leading e-cigarette brands and flavors we deemed were appealing to youth.”

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The study is available here.