Popcorn lung: how vaping could scar your lungs for life Popcorn Lung: The Deadly Secret in Your Vape! Did you know that the sweet, tempting flavor in your e liquid could be hiding a chemical called Diacetyl? This chemical, which tastes Popcorn lung. Vaping lung injury. Let's stop confusing the two. Popcorn lung is the lazy name for bronchiolitis obliteransa disease of the small airways, not the alveoli. It got its name from Our researchers are studying the effects of vaping on the lungs and airway. They found several components in e cigarettes damage cells that help protect us from viruses. Dr. Fariba Rezaee explains how 5 things to know about vaping NMC Health