Popcorn Lung: A Dangerous Risk of Flavored E Cigarettes American Lung Association Health experts are sounding the alarm about a serious condition linked to vaping, known as "popcorn lung" or bronchiolitis obliterans. This irreversible lung disease is caused by harmful chemicals, like diacetyl, found Did you know some flavored vapes contain diacetyl, a chemical linked to popcorn lunga rare, irreversible lung disease? It scars the small airways, making it hard to breathe. Symptoms can mimic Doctor shows x ray of 'popcorn lung' caused from vaping and it can be fatal