Popcorn Lungs from E-Cigarettes?

All content is checked by medical journalists.

Chocolate, chewing gum, melon - many filling liquids for e-cigarettes contain aromatic substances that can cause a serious lung disease: bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as popcorn lung.

The inflammatory disease of the bronchi was observed for the first time in workers who had made microwave popcorn and inhaled artificial butter aroma - the chemicals contained therein irritated the lungs. Patients suffer from severe breathing difficulties up to and including respiratory arrest. In extreme cases, only a lung transplant will help.

The disease is very rare - but that could change: Researchers have now discovered the chemical responsible for popcorn lungs in the vaporizing liquids for e-cigarettes. And these, as well as e-hookahs, are becoming more and more popular - with or without nicotine in the filling liquids, the so-called liquids.

Questionable flavorings

Joseph Allen and his team at Harvard Medical School examined 51 flavors from leading liquid manufacturers. In doing so, they focused primarily on flavors that could appeal to young consumers in particular. In addition to the content of diacetyl, which is already known to cause popcorn lungs, they also determined the aromatic substances 2,3-pentanedione and aacetoin, which are also questionable. The scientists found what they were looking for in 47 of the 51 liquids examined: they contained at least one of the three substances.

Risky even without nicotine

The study provides critics with new ammunition that extends not only to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes but also to nicotine-free vaporizers. After all, it is known that some components of the liquids, especially propylene glycol, can irritate the respiratory tract and cause allergic asthma. Some liquids even secrete proven carcinogenic substances.

Even if the direct proof that e-cigarettes can cause the dangerous lung disease is still pending - this is not a reason to give the all-clear. "It has not been proven that electronic cigarettes are harmless to health, so their consumption is not advisable," writes the Federal Center for Health Education, BZgA.

Seduced to smoke

Health experts are particularly concerned about liquids in various sweet flavors such as mango, chocolate or bubble gum, which are particularly attractive for children and young people. "They can contribute to the trivialization and possibly lower the inhibition threshold for the use of nicotine- and tobacco-containing products such as water pipes or cigarettes", according to the BZgA.

Age restriction for e-cigarettes

At the moment, such products can still be sold without any age restriction. The reason for this is a loophole in the law that only provides guidelines for tobacco-containing products. At least that is about to change: On November 4th, the federal government passed a draft law after the Youth Protection Act for tobacco products is to be extended to e-cigarettes and shishas. That means no sale to young people under the age of 18, no advertising and no vaping in public. (cf)

Source: Joseph G. Allen: Flavoring Chemicals in E-Cigarettes: Diacetyl, 2,3 Pentanedione, and Acetoin in a Sample of 51 Products, Including Fruit, Candy and Cocktail Flavored E-Cigarettes

Tags:  alcohol drugs therapies alcohol