How Big Tobacco is Hooking Gen Z Respiratory Health 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 Vaping: Safer than cigarettes or a new health crisis? Experts warn that flavored e cigarettes can cause irreversible lung damage, as seen in a U.S. teenager who developed "popcorn lung"a severe and permanent condition called bronchiolitis obliteransafter secretly vaping for three years.