​Ever heard of popcorn lung? Know what it is and why it happens?​ | The Times of India

The primary cause of popcorn lung is exposure to diacetyl. Diacetyl is a chemical used in the production of buttery flavorings, particularly in microwave popcorn, snack foods, and some e-cigarette liquids. When inhaled, diacetyl can damage the airways and trigger an immune response, leading to inflammation and scarring. While diacetyl is a major culprit, other harmful chemicals and irritants inhaled on the job or due to specific exposures may contribute to bronchiolitis obliterans. WebMD says, there are other chemicals that can cause popcorn lungs: metal oxide fumes, a common byproduct of welding; formaldehyde, a cancer-causing chemical used in some glues and building materials; sulfur dioxide, a pollutant released by burning fossil fuels; ammonia, chlorine, nitrogen oxides, hydrochloric acid and sulfur mustard, a chemical weapon known as “mustard gas”.