Popcorn Lung Caused by Flavored E-cigs
In the past couple of years vaping, or smoking electronic cigarettes, has become very popular. Companies behind e-cigs have managed to make them sound like a “healthy” alternative to smoking regular cigarettes. Of course, this is silly. Smoking is smoking. There isn’t a “healthy” way to do something that’s bad for you. At the end of 2015, Harvard researchers proved this fact. They found that more than 75 percent of flavored e-cigarette liquids they tested contained Diacetyl, a chemical linked to severe respiratory disease. They found the chemical in e-cig flavors like fruits, cotton candy, cupcake, and others obviously marketed toward younger people.
Diacetyl is most commonly linked to a disease called “popcorn lung.” Bronchiolitis obliterans, the medical name of poporn lung, is caused by the inhaling of chemicals. It first appeared in the early 2000s in people who worked in microwave popcorn making facilities. Inhaling chemicals found in artificial butter flavors were found to cause serious lung problems for workers.
Being exposed to Diacetyl has been found to cause the following symptoms of popcorn lung:
*Severe shortness of breath
*Wheezing
*Dry hacking cough
Often, popcorn lung is misdiagnosed as asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema. If you’re a vape smoker and have started feeling these types of problems, you need to see a doctor immediately. Popcorn lung is a serious problem and can cause severe, long-term breathing problems.
The Dangers of E-cigs
Currently, there are more than 7,000 flavors of e-cigs available to choose from. Even though the popularity of e-cigs and vaping is rising—with no signs of stopping—don’t forget that it’s new. We have no idea what the long-term effects of vaping is. And, e-cigs aren’t currently regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You really don’;t know what you could be putting into your body when you vape. The FDA has proposed a rule to include e-cigs under its ability to regulate products that contain tobacco and nicotine. But, that hasn’t happened yet. So, the entire vaping and e-cig industry is basically operating under the honor system. This isn’t good for consumers.
Contact an Attorney
Farah & Farah is ready to represent Diacetyl-related injuries nationwide. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with popcorn lung caused by e-cigs, contact us. We’ve helped clients for over thirty years. Let us be there for you.
You can reach us at (800) 533-3555.
