Vaping Popcorn Lung: What You Need to Know
Popcorn lung, also known as bronchiolitis obliterans, is a rare lung disease that can be caused by inhaling certain chemicals. The name “popcorn lung” comes from the fact that the disease was first seen in workers who inhaled diacetyl, a chemical used to flavour microwave popcorn. Diacetyl can also be found in some e-cigarettes, and there have been a few cases of popcorn lung linked to vaping in the past. However, this is not the case any more, as we will explore.
What Causes Popcorn Lung?
Popcorn lung is caused by inhaling certain chemicals that can damage the small airways in the lungs. The most common cause is diacetyl, but other chemicals such as 2,3-pentanedione and acrolein have also been linked to the disease. These chemicals can be found in some e-cigarettes, as well as in other products such as microwave popcorn, butter flavouring, and some types of glue.
In 2016, the UK government banned the use of diacetyl in e-cigarettes. This was done in response to concerns about the link between diacetyl and popcorn lung. The ban on diacetyl in the UK is a significant step in protecting vapers from the risk.
Symptoms
The symptoms can develop slowly over time, and they may not be noticeable at first. Some common symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Difficulty exercising
Treatment
There is no cure for popcorn lung, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. Treatment may include:
- Medications to control coughing and wheezing
- Oxygen therapy
- Lung transplant (in severe cases)
Myths
There are a few myths about popcorn lung that are important to dispel. One myth is that it is only caused by vaping. This is not true. Popcorn lung can also be caused by inhaling other chemicals, such as those found in microwave popcorn, butter flavouring, and some types of glue.
Another myth is that it is not a serious disease. This is also not true. It can be a very serious disease, and it can even be fatal. If you experience any of the symptoms of popcorn lung, it is important to see a doctor right away.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is a serious lung disease that can be caused by inhaling certain chemicals. If you are vaping, it is important to be aware of the risks of popcorn lung and to take steps to protect yourself. You can do this by choosing e-cigarettes that do not contain diacetyl or other harmful chemicals. Sticking to e-liquid manufactured in the UK, by a reputable manufacturer is the safest bet. Finally, if you have any of the risk factors, such as a history of smoking or asthma, we would advise speaking to your GP before vaping.
Why choose Elite Liquid then?
We, (Elite Liquid), are a UK-based company that follows all UK regulations for manufacturing e-liquid. This includes the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR), which came into effect in 2016. The TRPR bans the use of diacetyl and other harmful chemicals in e-liquid. We only uses only high-quality ingredients in our e-liquids. These ingredients are sourced from reputable suppliers and are tested for purity and safety. The manufacturing process is strictly controlled to ensure that the e-liquids are free of contaminants. Our e-liquids are independently tested by a third-party laboratory. This ensures that they meet all safety standards.
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