Latest news with #RCSIUniversityofMedicineandHealthSciences
Daily Record
28-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Vaping warning over 'popcorn lung' risk as there is 'no cure'
Health experts have warned that vaping can cause irreversible damage to your lungs, following reports of 'popcorn lung'. Officially termed bronchiolitis obliterans, popcorn lung is a severe disease that damages the tiny airways in the lungs, leading to persistent coughing, wheezing, fatigue and breathlessness. The term "popcorn lung" originated in the early 2000s when several workers at a microwave popcorn factory developed lung problems after inhaling a chemical called diacetyl – the same ingredient used to give popcorn its rich, buttery taste. Diacetyl, or 2,3-butanedione, is a flavouring agent that becomes a toxic inhalant when aerosolised. It causes inflammation and scarring in the bronchioles (the smallest branches of the lungs), making it increasingly difficult for air to move through, reports Gloucestershire Live Donal O'Shea, Professor of Chemistry at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, said: " While diacetyl is the most infamous cause, popcorn lung can also be triggered by inhaling other toxic chemicals, including volatile carbonyls like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde – both of which have also been detected in e-cigarette vapours." He added: "There's no cure for popcorn lung. Once the lungs are damaged, treatment is limited to managing symptoms. This can include bronchodilators, steroids, and in extreme cases, lung transplantation. For this reason, prevention – not treatment – is the best and only defence." Professor O'Shea highlighted the potential dangers of e-cigarettes in an interview with The Conversation , saying: "E-liquids may contain nicotine, but they also include a chemical cocktail designed to appeal to users. Many of these flavouring agents are approved for use in food. That doesn't mean they're safe to inhale." When the chemicals are inhaled they go straight into the lungs then into the bloodstream. Over 180 different flavouring agents are believed to be used in e-cigarette products. O'Shea explained the risks further, saying that when heated, these chemicals can break down into new compounds, many of which have yet to be tested for inhalation safety. Professor O'Shea added: "Diacetyl, though removed from some vape products, is still found in others. And its substitutes – acetoin and 2,3-pentanedione – may be just as harmful. "Even if diacetyl isn't the sole culprit, cumulative exposure to multiple chemicals and their byproducts could increase the risk of popcorn lung and other respiratory conditions. "This was tragically echoed in the story of the American teen who developed the disease. Her case is reminiscent of the 2019 Evali crisis (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury), which saw 68 deaths and over 2,800 hospitalisations in the US. "That outbreak was eventually linked to vitamin E acetate – a thickening agent in some cannabis vape products. When heated, it produces a highly toxic gas called ketene. "More recent studies are raising alarm bells about vaping's impact on young people's respiratory health. A multi-national study found that adolescents who vape report significantly more respiratory symptoms, even when adjusting for smoking status. Certain flavour types, nicotine salts, and frequency of use were all linked to these symptoms. "It's clear that history is repeating itself. Just as workplace safety rules were overhauled to protect popcorn factory workers, we now need similar regulatory urgency for the vaping industry – especially when it comes to protecting the next generation." The professor added: "Popcorn and vaping might seem worlds apart, but they're connected by a common thread: exposure to inhaled chemicals that were never meant for the lungs. The danger lies not in what these chemicals are when eaten, but in what they become when heated and inhaled. "If we apply the lessons from industrial safety to today's vaping habits – particularly among young people – we could avoid repeating the same mistakes. Regulations, clear labelling, stricter ingredient testing, and educational campaigns can help minimise the risks. "Until then, stories like that of the American teen serve as powerful reminders that vaping, despite its fruity flavours and sleek designs, is not without consequence. Sometimes, what seems harmless can leave damage that lasts a lifetime."
North Wales Live
28-04-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
Professor warns vaping can cause irreversible scarring to the lungs
Health experts have warned that vapin can scar your lungs for life, after a number of reports of people suffering with 'popcorn lung'. Officially known as bronchiolitis obliterans, popcorn lung is a serious and irreversible disease that damages the tiny airways in the lungs, leading to persistent coughing, wheezing, fatigue and breathlessness. The term 'popcorn lung' dates back to the early 2000s when several workers at a microwave popcorn factory developed lung problems after inhaling a chemical called diacetyl – the same ingredient used to give popcorn its rich, buttery taste. Diacetyl, or 2,3-butanedione, is a flavouring agent that becomes a toxic inhalant when aerosolised. It causes inflammation and scarring in the bronchioles (the smallest branches of the lungs), making it increasingly difficult for air to move through. Donal O'Shea, Professor of Chemistry at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, said: " While diacetyl is the most infamous cause, popcorn lung can also be triggered by inhaling other toxic chemicals, including volatile carbonyls like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde – both of which have also been detected in e-cigarette vapours." He added: "There's no cure for popcorn lung. Once the lungs are damaged, treatment is limited to managing symptoms. "This can include bronchodilators, steroids, and in extreme cases, lung transplantation. For this reason, prevention – not treatment – is the best and only defence. Professor O'Shea told The Conversation: "E-liquids may contain nicotine, but they also include a chemical cocktail designed to appeal to users. Many of these flavouring agents are approved for use in food. That doesn't mean they're safe to inhale." When chemicals are inhaled, they go straight into the lungs – and from there, directly into the bloodstream, reaching vital organs like the heart and brain within seconds. Experts estimate there are over 180 different flavouring agents used in e-cigarette products. When heated, many of these chemicals break down into new compounds – some of which have never been tested for inhalation safety. Professor O'Shea said: " Diacetyl, though removed from some vape products, is still found in others. And its substitutes – acetoin and 2,3-pentanedione – may be just as harmful. "Even if diacetyl isn't the sole culprit, cumulative exposure to multiple chemicals and their byproducts could increase the risk of popcorn lung and other respiratory conditions. "This was tragically echoed in the story of the American teen who developed the disease. Her case is reminiscent of the 2019 Evali crisis (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury), which saw 68 deaths and over 2,800 hospitalisations in the US. "That outbreak was eventually linked to vitamin E acetate – a thickening agent in some cannabis vape products. When heated, it produces a highly toxic gas called ketene. "More recent studies are raising alarm bells about vaping's impact on young people's respiratory health. A multi-national study found that adolescents who vape report significantly more respiratory symptoms, even when adjusting for smoking status. "Certain flavour types, nicotine salts, and frequency of use were all linked to these symptoms. "It's clear that history is repeating itself. Just as workplace safety rules were overhauled to protect popcorn factory workers, we now need similar regulatory urgency for the vaping industry – especially when it comes to protecting the next generation. "Popcorn and vaping might seem worlds apart, but they're connected by a common thread: exposure to inhaled chemicals that were never meant for the lungs. The danger lies not in what these chemicals are when eaten, but in what they become when heated and inhaled. "If we apply the lessons from industrial safety to today's vaping habits – particularly among young people – we could avoid repeating the same mistakes. Regulations, clear labelling, stricter ingredient testing, and educational campaigns can help minimise the risks. "Until then, stories like that of the American teen serve as powerful reminders that vaping, despite its fruity flavours and sleek designs, is not without consequence. Sometimes, what seems harmless can leave damage that lasts a lifetime."
Irish Independent
24-04-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
‘It shouldn't be a big deal' – doctor pleads for public drinking water fountains after trial shows drastic cut in consumption of soft drinks
Now the groups behind the move are calling for the project to be replicated in every sports hall, community centre and public place in Ireland. They say the health and environmental benefits of swapping soft drinks and single use containers for plain water and reusable bottles are overwhelming. 'One hundred years ago we had water pumps in every town However, they also say the process needs to be simplified after it took the involvement of almost a dozen public bodies and groups to be implemented. 'This shouldn't be a big deal,' said Dr Grace O'Malley of the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, one of the bodies involved. 'One hundred years ago we had water pumps in every town in Ireland and it was the norm. 'Every single town in Ireland and every sports club should have access to high-quality free drinking water.' The Uisce Cliste (Smart Water) Healthy Hydration for Dublin project was trialled at Cherry Orchard and Ballyfermot United Football Clubs, with data collected and analysed from the former. A water station was installed by the pitches with two water fountains where children could fill their club-branded water bottles. Education sessions were also run for children, parents and coaches on the importance of staying hydrated and, crucially, drinking water instead of soft drinks. Colour charts were installed in toilet blocks so that participants could check their urine to understand what a healthy shade is. ADVERTISEMENT 'We're being conditioned all the time with advertising and marketing to think we need different products whereas we really need to get back to basics, to understand how our body works and how important water is for us, particularly for children when their kidneys are developing,' Dr O'Malley said. Your bottle is as important as your boots The project is primarily a public health measure but has also proved a winner on the environmental front. The club was collecting 4.5kg of drinks bottles and cans daily, but six months later, it plummeted to 0.05kg. Republic of Ireland player, Jessie Stapleton, who began her football career with Cherry Orchard, is backing the campaign with messages on YouTube. 'She makes the point that 'your bottle is as important as your boots'. To get that message out there from someone like her is great,' Dr O'Malley said. The project combined work by Dr O'Malley's team, Dublin City Council, the HSE, Pobal, Sláintecare's Healthy Communities programme, the Liffey Area Partnership, the City of Dublin Adult Education Service and others. Dr O'Malley said while it was great to have the interest and input of so many, the process needed to be simplified. Last summer, the Departments of Housing and the Environment announced a €2m fund to support the installation of public drinking water fountains.
