Vaping safety concerns emerge after oil buildup in lungs

A Florida mother's vaping episode suggests oil buildup in the lungs may follow use of e-cigarettes, prompting questions about safety and messaging.

Vaping safety concerns after oil buildup in lungs emerge

An Ocala woman, Cloey Eyes, switched from smoking to vaping in August 2023 and says a July episode of sharp chest pain led to a hospital visit. Doctors found oil pockets around both lungs and described the concern as popcorn lung-like injuries, a condition not proven to be caused by vaping itself. Medical guidance notes that inhaled oils can trigger lipoid pneumonia, a known risk for some vaping liquids, though there have been no confirmed cases linking popcorn lung directly to vaping. Eyes had a short hospital stay and was treated with antibiotics, an inhaler, and cough suppressants. She now advocates stopping vaping and believes her lungs will take about a year to heal, calling on others to avoid the habit.

This case highlights how sensational headlines can collide with evolving science. While it underscores potential risks from inhaled oils, a single incident cannot establish a direct link between vaping and popcorn lung. Public health messaging should be precise to avoid alarm or stigma, and focus on clear guidance about possible risks, symptoms to watch for, and when to seek care. Regulators and researchers face a task: provide factual, up-to-date information while continuing to study long-term effects of vaping products and their flavorings. The broader question remains how best to protect youth and inform adults about harms without banning products that some smokers rely on to quit.

Highlights

As more cases surface, the lesson is steady: protect people with accurate, living science and practical safety steps.