Diacetyl & Popcorn Lung EDGE Vaping What is Popcorn Lung? Popcorn Lung is a serious, permanent lung disease caused by inhaling harmful chemicals like diacetyl, sometimes found in flavored vapes. Tips for Parents & Caregivers: Talk New lung scans prove vaping is toxic. The science is officially in. Scans show that teens have developed "popcorn lung" as a result of vaping. It's a permanent, chronic disease that shortens Popcorn Lung: What are the dangers of e cigarettes?