Popcorn Lung: Is Vaping Worth It? You may think that vaping is much safer than smoking cigarettes, but that’s not necessarily true. Using any type of nicotine product puts your health, fitness and mission readiness at risk. E-cigarettes are no exception, as they come with their own harmful consequences. Possibly the most serious of these effects is bronchiolitis obliterans, or popcorn lung. What Is Popcorn Lung? Popcorn lung is a chronic disease that damages the small airways in the lungs. Naturally, your body responds by trying to heal itself. But if the scar tissue that forms is too thick, it can block your airways and make getting enough oxygen difficult. Over time, this condition can worsen and lead to respiratory failure. Why Is It Called Popcorn Lung? You might be wondering why a serious lung disease is named after a popular snack food. The name comes from where it was first identified, which was among people working in a microwave popcorn plant. These workers were breathing in a flavoring chemical that was later found to be harmful. What Causes Popcorn Lung? In some cases, popcorn lung may develop from a serious lung infection such as pneumonia or bronchitis. It can also be a result of having an inflammatory autoimmune disease or undergoing a lung transplant. Though usually, popcorn lung is a result of inhaling harmful chemicals. Some of these toxins are found in e-cigarette smoke, which is why vaping can increase your risk of popcorn lung. Substances linked to popcorn lung: Ammonia Acetaldehyde* Chlorine Diacetyl* Formaldehyde* Hydrochloric acid Mustard gas Sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and metal oxide fumes *These substances are found in e-cigarette smoke. Why Should I Care About Popcorn Lung? You’ve probably been around someone who vapes, or you might use e-cigarettes yourself. These devices often contain more than just nicotine. Many also have heavy metals and toxic flavorings that can reach deep into your lungs. In fact, at least three of the substances found in e-cigarette smoke are linked to popcorn lung. This means that using these devices, or being around someone who does, exposes you to dangerous chemicals that may raise your risk for popcorn lung. How Do I Know If I Have Popcorn Lung? If you experience trouble breathing, it could be a sign of popcorn lung. This may look like shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing that can’t be explained from another condition (e.g., a cold). Symptoms usually take several weeks or months to develop and flare up with strenuous activity. It can be hard to tell what’s wrong based only on symptoms. Visit your health care provider to determine if you have a lung condition, such as popcorn lung. Breathing e-cigarette smoke, whether directly or indirectly, can be dangerous and threaten your performance as a Warfighter. If you currently use e-cigarettes, quitting will lower your risk of long-term health concerns and help protect those around you. If you don’t vape, don’t start. Stay mission ready by saying no to e-cigarettes! Additional ResourcesWarfighter Wellness - “Nicotine Replacement Therapy”ReferencesAmerican Lung Association - “Learn About Bronchiolitis Obliterans”Harvard Medical School - “Popcorn lung: What is it, and who is at risk?”Warfighter Wellness - “Knock Out Nicotine: The Dangers of Vaping”
