Vaping has become very popular in the UK over the last ten years. Many adults use vapes as an alternative to smoking. But along with the rise of vaping, many scary stories and myths have also spread. One of the most common is the idea that vaping causes something called “popcorn lung.”

This phrase sounds frightening, and many people worry about it. In this article, we will explain what popcorn lung is, why the myth began, and what the facts are in 2025. We will also look at two modern devices that are safe and trusted by many vapers in the UK.

What is Popcorn Lung?

The term popcorn lung refers to a condition known as bronchiolitis obliterans. It injures the tiny branches of the airways in the lungs. Shortness of breath, bouts of coughing and difficulty in inhaling deeply are some of the symptoms people with this disorder can experience.

“Popcorn lung” is the name that evolved from an old American tale. A few decades ago, some workers suffered from this deases in popcorn factories where they inhaled large amounts of a chemical known as diacetyl. This chemical was added to make microwave popcorn taste buttery.

The Link Between Diacetyl and Vaping

When e-cigarettes first took off in popularity more than a decade ago, some studies reported that certain e-liquids also contained small amounts of diacetyl. It followed from the contention that vaping might cause popcorn lung.

News stories picked up on this right away. Headlines warned that people who vaped were in danger of a disease similar to one that had struck popcorn factory workers. This struck terror; a myth developed around it, and it became stronger and stronger.

The Reality in the UK

The truth is very different. In the UK, strict rules are in place for e-liquids. Under the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) and now UK regulations after Brexit, the use of diacetyl in vape products is banned. This means that legally sold vapes in the UK do not contain this chemical. So, when people talk about “popcorn lung” and vaping in the UK, they are talking about something that simply does not apply. It is a myth.

What Doctors Say in 2025

UK doctors still back vaping as a healthier alternative to smoking. The NHS has made it clear many times that vaping is much less harmful than cigarettes. Cigarette smoke is composed of thousands of chemicals, some of which are known to cause cancer. There isn’t nearly enough of the stuff in vapes.

On the subject of popcorn lung, health experts say there's no evidence that the legal vape products in the UK cause the condition. The original problem involved factory workers exposed to high levels of diacetyl daily, not at all comparable to vaping today.

Why the Myth Still Spreads

But despite clear scientific evidence, the myth of popcorn lung persists. This is because:

●      Scary headlines grab more attention than calm facts.

●      Some countries do not have the same strict rules as the UK. Their products may be different.

●      People are naturally worried about their health, so they share stories without checking.

This is why UK vapers must be able to trust the facts and know information will come from credible sources.

How Vapers Can Stay Safe

If you are an adult who vapes, the best advice to stay safe is to:

●      Purchase your devices and pods only from reputable stores in the UK.

●      Steer clear of black-market or unregulated products that may ignore safety rules.

●      Stick to brands with a reputation for adhering to legal norms.

●      Stay up to date with advice from the NHS and public health authorities.

By doing this, you can enjoy vaping without fear of myths like popcorn lung.

Trusted Options for Safe Vaping

Having explained the mythology, let’s focus on two products that are popular in the UK in 2025: the Crystal Pro Switch 30K and the IVG Smart 10K, both designed with a view to safety, ease of use and value for money.

Crystal Pro Switch 30K

Crystal Pro Switch 30K is one of the power tools with prefilled pods. It’s already pre-filled with delicious nic-salt e-liquids, so you don’t have to do any refilling. It lasts for up to 30,000 puffs, making it one of the longest-lasting options in the UK right now.

The device is rechargeable, so you only have to buy the pods when they’re gone. This also means that it’s more affordable and better for the environment than disposables. These pods have a good seal and are less likely to leak.

There is also a solid battery life for the Crystal Pro Switch 30K. This means it is great for vapers who need a little more consistency in their vaporiser for all-day vaping. Several rich flavours are available, and with a smooth hit to the nicotine delivery, it’s no wonder that so many experienced vapers are turning to this device as their daily option.

IVG Smart 10K

The IVG Smart 10K is another contemporary choice for ease of use and safety. It provides up to 10,000 puffs, which should be more than enough for most vapers seeking a balance of portability and performance.

Like the Crystal Pro Switch, the IVG Smart also employs prefilled pods. They're pre-filled with nic salt e-liquid and are ready to use. This makes it super user-friendly for beginners but still works well for experienced vapers, too, who just want a small device.

It’s got a nice sleek design that slides easily in and outta your pocket or bag. Its rechargeable battery means you won't need to replace the entire device, just the pods. This is a money-saving and waste-reducing over time.

The flavours are rich and mellow; the pods provide a consistent vaping experience. The IVG Smart 10K’s price point, convenience, and, at least so far, established safety have struck a chord with many people in the UK.

Final Thoughts

The concept that vaping results in popcorn lung is one of the greatest e-cigarette fictions out there. That condition was associated with chemical exposure, diacetyl exposure in particular, in factories by workers who consumed relatively large quantities of the chemical and not the modern vaping products we have today. In the UK, diacetyl is illegal in e-liquids, so this myth is 100% fake for UK vapers.

Doctors and medical experts keep saying vaping is infinitely less lethal than smoking. Myths can travel fast but let the facts speak for themselves: popcorn lung and vaping in the UK are not associated.