Sat, 18 Apr 2026 19:03:37 +0000

Popcorn Lung Revealed: The Silent Scourge Consuming Millions In recent years, a lesser-known yet alarmingly widespread condition has quietly claimed thousands of lives worldwide — commonly referred to as “Popcorn Lung,” officially known as bronchiolitis obliterans. Despite its whimsical nickname, this debilitating and often incurable respiratory disease is anything but fun — it’s a silent scourge that continues to affect millions, especially in workplaces tied to popcorn production, manufacturing, and industrial settings. ### What Is Popcorn Lung? Bronchiolitis obliterans is a rare and serious lung disease where inflamed and scarred airways — especially the tiny bronchioles — become blocked, making breathing extremely difficult. The condition earned the name “popcorn lung” from outbreaks among workers in microwave popcorn manufacturing plants in the early 2000s, where exposure to a chemical diacetyl triggered devastating respiratory damage.