E-cigarette and Popcorn Lung Disease
e-cigarette
The use of electronic cigarettes has been becoming popular among the youths around the world. The industry witnessed an increase of sales by 900% last year. Contrary to the popular belief these cigarettes contain nicotine along with some flavouring agents that are detrimental to health also. One of the flavouring agents invited attention recently is diacetyl. US surgeon general urged USFDA to bring the production and sales of e-cigarettes under their regulation.
Diacetyl
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Diacetyl is a buttery substance commonly used in the microwave popcorn, caramel, candy or other food items. It is believed to cause Bronchiolitis oblirerans. Acetyl propionyl, the alternative buttery agent is also found to be as injurious.
Bronchiolitis obliterans or Popcorn Lung Disease
The disease due to diacetyl had come to media attention in 2000 after 8 popcorn factory workers were diagnosed in Missouri. In 2008 a consumer was diagnosed as having the disease by inhaling during cooking popcorn in the microwave oven. E-cigarettes flavouring juices contain diacetyl is well known.
lung.org
Popcorn lung disease starts with cough, wheezing and dyspnoea followed by fatigue, weight loss and night sweats.
The disease is irreversible and in many cases require lung transplant.