Electronic smoking leads to deadly "popcorn lung disease"

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Despite the fact that e-smoking is considered practically harmless, scientists are in no hurry with such optimistic conclusions. On the contrary, they say that inhalation of such vapor leads to dangerous lung damage, otherwise known as "popcorn disease".

Vapers (ie those who smoke e-cigarettes) put themselves at risk of developing the deadly "popcorn lung disease." This conclusion was made by scientists after they discovered a toxic chemical in 75% of e-cigarette fragrances.

Diacetyl, a chemical that is used as an oil scent substitute in food, has been the cause of bronchiolitis obliterans. This disease was previously discovered in employees of a popcorn company.

Diacetyl is believed to be edible, but the US National Occupational Safety Institute has stated that the substance becomes dangerous if inhaled for a long time. Diacetyl causes inflammation, scarring, and narrowing of the tiny airways in the lungs, otherwise known as bronchioles. As a result, the person does not receive enough oxygen. Urgent action is needed to assess as accurately as possible the extent of the spread of the hazardous substance among cigarette flavorings, the researchers say.

“Recognition of the dangers associated with inhaling chemicals began with the emergence of 'popcorn lung disease' over a decade ago,” said lead researcher Joseph Allen, a professor at the Harvard School of Public Health. "However, diacetyl is used in many flavors - not only to create the smell of fried popcorn, but also fruity, alcoholic and confectionery flavors, and, as we learned, in e-cigarette flavors that smell like candy."

E-cigarettes use cartridges that deliver the required dose of nicotine. This dose is received by smokers by inhaling vapor without tar and other carcinogenic substances. Scientists and officials are still not sure if this smoking is safe. Earlier this year, the England Department of Health urged smokers to switch to e-cigarettes as they are much safer than traditional smoking. However, the World Health Organization, scientists from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and staff at the University of Liverpool are still concerned about the safety of e-cigarettes.

Dr. Allen and his colleagues tested 51 flavored cigarettes and flavored liquids sold by leading brands for diacetyl, acetoin and 2,3-pentanedione, flavor compounds that could pose a risk to the lungs of the smoker and those around him.

Each e-cigarette was inserted into a sealed chamber and a stream of air was passed through it for eight seconds. Then, after a 15–30 second pause, the air was passed again, and later passed on for analysis.

At least one of the three chemicals was found in 47 out of 51 fragrances. Diacetyl was found in 39 samples, acetoin in 46, and 2,3-pentanedione in 23.

“Since most of the issues surrounding e-smoking are centered around nicotine, we realize there is still a lot we don’t know about e-cigarettes,” said study co-author Dr. David Christiani, professor of environmental genetics.

In addition to the fact that e-cigarettes contain various doses of nicotine - an addictive alkaloid - they also contain carcinogenic chemicals such as formaldehyde. In addition, our research has shown that the aromas in e-cigarettes can be dangerous and cause lung damage.

Although this study was conducted in the United States, Greek scientists did similar work last year. Then they discovered that diacetyl was found in 70% of European brand fragrances. Both American and European smoking fluids are commercially available.