Popcorn Lung vs. Lung Cancer: Understanding the Critical Differences (and Why It Matters) Popcorn Lung: Causes, Symptoms, Cure & Lifespan Does Vaping Cause Popcorn Lung? Vapor Galleria Tarrant Euless TX 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 Doctors have linked vaping to a rare, incurable lung condition called obliterative bronchiolitis, often referred to as popcorn lung. The disease permanently scars and narrows the lungs' airways, causing lifelong breathing problems.