Popcorn lung: myth, media scare or genuine risk?

September 1, 2025

Few phrases strike as much fear into new vapers as popcorn lung. It has been plastered across tabloid headlines, whispered in conversations, and recycled in political debates. The imagery is alarming, as if one puff of a vape could trigger an irreversible lung condition. But is popcorn lung really a threat for vapers, or is it another example of fear mongering? To answer this, we need to trace where the myth came from, what the evidence shows, and why the media continues to recycle it long after regulators have moved on.

Where the term popcorn lung came from

Popcorn lung is the nickname for bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare lung disease that damages the smallest airways, leading to scarring and breathing difficulty. The name originated in the United States in the early 2000s, when workers at a microwave popcorn factory developed lung problems after being exposed to high levels of diacetyl, a flavouring compound used to create buttery taste. Lawsuits followed, headlines flared up, and the catchy phrase popcorn lung was born.

How vaping got pulled into the story

When vaping emerged as a disruptive alternative to smoking, researchers tested e liquids and found trace amounts of diacetyl in some early products. Anti vaping campaigners immediately latched onto the popcorn lung story, drawing direct comparisons between factory workers inhaling industrial levels of diacetyl and vapers using e liquids. The leap was huge, but the narrative was irresistible. Headlines warned of a vaping epidemic that could leave thousands gasping for air. But the context, scale of exposure and differences in regulation were often ignored.

The role of diacetyl in vaping today

Here is the reality: diacetyl is banned in UK and EU nicotine containing e liquids under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations. Reputable manufacturers test their products to ensure compliance. If you buy your e liquids from trusted retailers, you are not inhaling diacetyl at all. The scare persists because of outdated reports and international products that do not follow the same rules. UK consumers who stick to regulated markets are protected from this risk entirely.

Science versus scare stories

Up until now, there has not been a single documented case of popcorn lung caused by vaping anywhere in the world. Meanwhile, cigarettes deliver diacetyl at levels far higher than early e liquids ever did. Yet nobody claims cigarettes cause popcorn lung, even though they are linked to lung cancer, heart disease and countless other illnesses. The inconsistency reveals that the popcorn lung claim is less about evidence and more about rhetoric. Multiple public health bodies, including Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians, have confirmed that the claim is a myth, and that vaping is far less harmful than smoking.

Why the myth refuses to die

Scare stories thrive because they are simple, memorable and emotional. Popcorn lung sounds far scarier than a nuanced discussion about relative risks. Campaigners, journalists and lobbyists repeat the phrase because it creates clicks, grabs headlines and stirs outrage. Once a myth like this embeds in public consciousness, it is difficult to dislodge. Many smokers who might otherwise switch to vaping are held back by these myths, prolonging their exposure to the real killer, cigarettes.

Real risks that vapers should care about

Myth busting is important, but so is recognising the real risks that come with vaping. Popcorn lung is not one of them, but battery misuse, unsafe charging and careless storage are. Every time a story emerges about a vape device exploding, the culprit is almost always poor practice, damaged batteries or counterfeit products. Let us go through the essentials of safe use.

Safe charging practices

Always use the charger that comes with your device or one recommended by the brand.
Do not leave your device charging overnight or while you are away.
Avoid using cheap plugs or cables that are not designed for your device.
Charge your vape on a flat, non flammable surface, not on beds or sofas.

Carrying and handling spare batteries

Store spare batteries in protective cases, never loose in your pocket or bag.
Keep them away from keys, coins or other metals that can cause short circuits.
Inspect battery wraps regularly, replace or rewrap damaged cells immediately.

Storage tips for devices and liquids

Keep e liquids upright and sealed tightly to avoid leaks.
Store devices away from extreme heat or freezing temperatures.
Clean tanks and mouthpieces regularly to maintain performance and hygiene.
Keep all vaping products out of reach of children and pets.

The UK regulatory framework

One of the strongest arguments against the popcorn lung myth is the presence of strict regulation. The UK’s TRPR ensures that all nicotine containing e liquids are tested, labelled and capped for nicotine strength and bottle size. Diacetyl and other unsafe additives are banned. Tanks, coils and packaging must meet defined safety standards. Shops like Vape Lounge UK only stock products that comply with these regulations, giving consumers peace of mind that their purchases are safe and transparent.

Popcorn lung as a distraction from harm reduction

The obsession with popcorn lung distracts from the bigger picture. Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable death in the UK. Vaping is not risk free, but it provides a less harmful route for millions of smokers to transition away from cigarettes. Every time scare stories about popcorn lung dominate the conversation, they deter smokers from switching and undermine harm reduction strategies. It is not just misleading, it is dangerous in itself, because it keeps people hooked on something far deadlier.

The role of the media and misinformation

Media outlets bear responsibility for amplifying the myth. By presenting vaping as a mysterious and unregulated danger, they create sensational stories that do not reflect reality. Social media also accelerates the spread of half truths, where memes about popcorn lung are shared without context. This cycle of misinformation has real world consequences. Public perception lags behind evidence, and myths discourage smokers from making informed choices. Education and open discussion are the antidotes.

The cultural echo of popcorn lung

Within vaping communities, popcorn lung has become a running joke. Many vapers are tired of hearing the phrase repeated by people who read a single article years ago. This cultural echo shows how sticky myths can be, even when debunked repeatedly. Addressing it requires not just scientific evidence, but also storytelling that resonates. Vapers themselves often play the role of myth busters, correcting friends and family when the scare gets raised again. Community driven correction is often more powerful than any official report.

Popcorn lung and youth vaping debates

Popcorn lung is often wheeled out in conversations about youth vaping. The idea is that highlighting a terrifying risk will scare young people away. But fear based approaches rarely work. They backfire, making vaping seem rebellious rather than dangerous. A more effective approach is honesty. Telling young people the truth, that vaping is not harmless but much less harmful than smoking, builds trust. Myths collapse when they are challenged with facts. The popcorn lung scare is a classic example of a tactic that misses the mark.

Final thoughts

So, is popcorn lung a myth, a scare or a genuine risk? The evidence is conclusive. It is a myth that refuses to die. The real dangers for vapers come not from mysterious lung conditions but from unsafe practices with devices and batteries. Stick to regulated products, buy from reputable shops and take simple steps to store and charge your kit responsibly. That is what keeps vaping safe. The popcorn lung story belongs in the past. What matters now is honest discussion, safe practice and a commitment to harm reduction.

Join the conversation and explore more

Have you had someone throw the popcorn lung myth at you? Share this article with them, spark a debate and help spread the facts instead of the fear.

Want to explore safe and regulated products? Check out Vape Lounge UK. Browse our e liquids, nicotine salts, shortfills, devices and accessories for everything you need to enjoy vaping responsibly.

If you would like to visit us in person, we would love to welcome you. You will find us at 147 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester M4 6DH or 71 Stafford Street, Stoke on Trent, ST1 1LW. You can also email us at hello@vapelounge.uk or call 0161 637 6066. We are here to help you make the switch, stay safe and enjoy vaping with confidence.