Hiding the Truth from the Public: American Lung Association is Undermining the Public ' s Knowledge of the Hazards of Smoking

Last month, the American Lung Association (ALA) issued awarning about " popcorn lung " (bronchiolitis obliterans), telling the public that electronic cigarettes can cause this severe disease because the aerosol contains diacetyl, a chemical that has been linked to the development of popcorn lung in highly exposed popcorn workers who were exposed to diacetyl present in the butter flavoring. The Lung Association ' s statement was entitled: " Popcorn Lung: A Dangerous Risk of Flavored E-Cigarettes. "According to the American Lung Association: " When inhaled, diacetyl causes bronchiolitis obliterans - more commonly referred to as " popcorn lung " - a scarring of the tiny air sacs in the lungs resulting in the thickening and narrowing of the airways. While the name " popcorn lung " may not sound like a threat, it ' s a serious lung disease that causes coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, similar to the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Even though we know that diacetyl causes popcorn lung, this chemical is found in many e-cigarette flavors. It is added to " e-juice " liquid by some e-cigarette companies to complement flavorings such as vanilla, maple, coconut and more. So while diacetyl was swiftly removed from popcorn products since it could cause this devastating disease among factory workers, e-cigarette users are now directly inhaling this harmful chemical into their lungs. "The Rest of the StoryIt is important to consider not merely what the Ame...
Source: The Rest of the Story: Tobacco News Analysis and Commentary - Category: Addiction Source Type: blogs