Imaging Findings of Vaping Associated Lung Injury AJR Understanding the Dangers of Vaping: Popcorn Lung and Diacetyl Risks Experts warn: Vaping can cause irreversible lung damage. , A U.S. teen was recently diagnosed with popcorn lung after secretly vaping for just 3 yearsleaving him with a permanent, life altering 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.