Vaping and Popcorn Lung: What You Need to Know About a Hidden Risk Uncovering Hidden Risks: Popcorn Lung and Vaping Dangers A growing body of research now links vaping to a rare and incurable condition called bronchiolitis obliterans, commonly known as popcorn lung. The disease causes permanent scarring of the small airways in Up to 95% of people who develop severe 'popcorn lung' as a result of vaping will DIE