Behind the sweet aromas of e-liquids and the attractive designs of electronic cigarettes hide chemical compounds with still largely underestimated effects. The case of this American teenager, suffering from an obliterating bronchiolitis, is alarming proof. At the origin of this rare pathology: an inflammation of the smallest respiratory tract, caused by the inhalation of toxic substances such as diacetyle, explains the online media sciencealer.
Formerly used in popcorn factories for its buttered taste, diacetyle is now found in certain e-liquids. This component, when heated then inhaled, becomes dangerous for the lungs. It was in the early 2000s that several employees of a microwave popcorn factory were diagnosed with the same disease. Since then, scientists have sounded the alarm, especially in the face of the persistent presence of this type of chemicals in electronic cigarette liquids.
Even more worrying, there is no treatment to cure this syndrome of “popcorn lungs”. Once damaged, only treatments capable of relieving symptoms can be considered. This includes bronchodilators, steroids or in the most serious cases, a pulmonary transplant.
Prevention remains the only way to fight this serious disease. But among young people, this prevention comes up against the growing popularity of vaping. The mother of the American adolescent girl suffering from the disease has also published a video that has become viral on Tiktok – more than 22.7 million views – to tell her story and alert to the dangers of vaping.
@Christiemartin755 BUSSIONARY TALE. #Vaping ♬ Original Sound – Christie Nano 🫧✨✨✨
A poorly controlled chemical cocktail
Vaping is based on the assembly of several flavoring substances. More than 180 would be used according to experts. When heated, many turn into even more dangerous compounds. Even substitutes for diacetyle, such as acetoin and acetylpropionyle, can have harmful effects.
If fruity and sweet scents seduce as much, it is because they are designed to please, and especially to the youngest. Among the flavored agents used, some have never been tested for inhalation, and this is a problem. A completely edible product is not necessarily unhappy.
The “popcorn lungs” syndrome recalls the epidemic of Evali, pneumonia associated with vaping, which had caused sixty-eight people in the United States in 2019. This drama was linked to vitamin E acetate, present in certain cannabis vape products.
Today, data accumulates on the deleterious effects of vaping in young people, with a significant increase in respiratory symptoms. A stricter regulation of ingredients and awareness campaigns are essential to avoid new victims.
