Popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans), despite having a funny name, is a very serious disease that is becoming increasingly more common. It was first diagnosed in individuals who worked at popcorn factories. These workers were constantly breathing in diacetyl, which was used to create the buttery flavor in microwave popcorn. As a result, workers experienced coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath (among other symptoms). This was due to the bronchioles of the lung becoming inflamed, resulting in a narrower airway and scarring of the air sacs. Therefore, it became more difficult for these individuals to efficiently breathe (harder to get a sufficient amount of air). Luckily, manufacturers removed diacetyl from their products so we can now enjoy microwave popcorn without potentially damaging our lungs.
Popcorn lung is relatively common in individuals who have recently received a lung transplant since they are more vulnerable to infections. However, it is considered a rare disease in the general population. Although there is a new upcoming population of individuals who are willingly putting themselves at higher risk for Popcorn lung. As the popularity of vapes and e-cigarettes increase, more people are inhaling dangerous chemicals such as diacetyl. Harvard researchers discovered that approximately 76% of e-cigarette brands use diacetyl in their products, despite knowing the dangerous nature of the substance. Even if you are not personally vaping, the second hand exposure can also be detrimental to the health of your lungs.
This issue becomes significantly more alarming as the damage done to the lungs is not always reversible. Physicians often prioritize management, which is more effective if caught early. However, Popcorn lung ranges in its severity and some individuals do not initially experience symptoms. Physicians will often prescribe corticosteroids, inhalers, and oxygen therapy to mediate the symptoms individuals experience. In the case of vaping, the first step would be to quit. Individuals possess autonomy over their bodies and ultimately it is their decision to inhale harmful chemicals. However, this choice should be made after learning more about the potential diseases vaping can cause.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22590-popcorn-lung-bronchiolitis-obliterans
Hi Bella! I had never heard of popcorn lung before reading your post. So interesting! I have only recently come to realize the widespread popularity of vapes/e-cigarettes and the damage they cause. At my job, I see many patients come in with chronic coughs or lung problems/airway irritation that does not resolve itself, and they are devoid of other symptoms. These patients are often daily nicotine consumers, mainly in the form of vaping, or regular marijuana users, or both. Care is always taken to rule out other causes such as bronchitis or pneumonia, but I wonder how many regular nicotine consumers are at a high risk, or may already have, popcorn lung and do not know it. You stated that it was rare in the general population, but the prevalence may be increasing as the popularity of vapes increases. I also think it would be interesting to compare the lungs of two people who have been regularly vaping for the same amount of time, but one who started at 15 and one who started at 45. Could the regenerative nature of the body at younger ages lead to less damage to the lungs, or would younger lungs be more susceptible to damage by these chemicals? Both seem plausible to me.
ReplyDeleteI found this interesting article on vaping and nicotine addictions. The author states that vaping at younger ages can lead to lowered PFC activity and worsened concentration and memory (Selekman, 2019). These are such crucial functions to lose/damage/impair at young ages - you need those for the rest of your life! Also, I was shocked to learn that formaldehyde can be/is used in e-cigarette cartridges, which is a carcinogen (Selekman, 2019). A study was mentioned in the article which found carcinogens in the urine of e-cigarette users, but not non-users (Selekman, 2019). I would be interested in learning more about what makes up e-cigarette cartridges or diving deeper into other systemic effects of long-term vaping. Thanks for your post!
Selekman, J. (2019). Vaping: It's all a smokescreen. Pediatric Nursing, 45(1), 12-15.
Wow, scary! I was curious to see what other foods had diacetyl. Microwavable popcorn has 2 to 24 ppm. Its biggest contenders are goat milk Jack cheese (the fancy cheese they sell at Whole Foods) coming in at 5.97 to 13.68 ppm, coffee at 2.66 to 2.78 ppm, and wine between 0.2 to 7.0 ppm. Diacetyl is produced by lactic acid bacteria when regenerating NADP. So should we be worried? The FDA says that the amount of diacetyl in a single bag of popcorn is not a health concern for humans (Clark and Winter, 2015). This is obviously not the case for workers in a popcorn factory, and it may also not be the case for vapers. Regardless, I am happy I do not have to eliminate microwavable popcorn from my diet.
ReplyDeleteClark, S., Winter, C. (2015, July 15). Diacetyl in Foods: A Review of Safety and Sensory Characteristics. Feeding the minds that feed the world. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12150
Hello Bella. Thank you for sharing. I have heard of popcorn lung before, but I had never heard the history behind the name. I simply assumed it was given that name because it makes your lungs inflamed and appear popcorn like. Your article sparked my interest in the diacetyl's presence in our day to day lives, along with other harmful chemicals that can cause popcorn lung. Interestingly, I found that diacetyl is actually quite common in the natural world, and we have been exposed to it throughout time. However, popcorn lung has developed because of the extremely high concentration of diacetyl in the air. Diacetyl can also be found in common foods and drinks like milk, cheese, coffee, and beer, but is only dangerous when the food is heated and molecules are released into the air. Never the less, I am glad microwave popcorn has changed their recipe, and hope that companies associated with vapes and e-cigarettes will do the same.
ReplyDeletehttps://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1541-4337.12150