Vaping and Popcorn Lung: What Is Known in Canada
Key takeaways
Health Canada states that vaping is not known to cause popcorn lung and that no confirmed cases from vaping have been reported in Canada. Its researchers found diacetyl in only 2 samples out of more than 800 vaping liquids. The department also says the long-term risks of vaping are unknown.
Health Canada says vaping is not known to cause popcorn lung, and that to date there have been no confirmed cases of popcorn lung disease as a result of vaping in Canada. This page sets out that position, the testing behind it and the questions that remain open. It reflects Health Canada’s published information as of 31 October 2026 and is not medical advice.
What does Health Canada say about popcorn lung?
The department’s page on the health risks of vaping addresses the question directly. It states that vaping is not known to cause popcorn lung. It also reports that there have been no confirmed cases of the disease from vaping in Canada.
What did the diacetyl testing find?
Diacetyl is the substance most often raised in connection with popcorn lung. Health Canada’s researchers tested vaping liquids and found diacetyl in only 2 samples out of more than 800.
The pages we reviewed do not describe what diacetyl is or how the testing was done, so we do not go beyond the result as Health Canada states it. For the ingredients the department does list, see what is in vape aerosol.
What is still uncertain?
Health Canada says the long-term risks of inhaling vaping aerosol are unknown and continue to be researched. “Not known to cause” describes the current state of knowledge about one disease. It does not describe the lungs as unaffected by vaping, and it says nothing about how future research may read.
The testing result also concerns the liquids that were sampled. We found no statement from Health Canada about products outside that sample. For how smoke affects the lungs, which is a separate subject, see smoker’s lungs, and for the wider comparison see e-cigarette risks and benefits.
What we could not confirm
We could not confirm from Health Canada’s pages what popcorn lung involves medically, which liquids tested positive, or the testing dates. If you vape and have a persistent cough or breathing trouble, speak to a doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacist. If you want to stop, how to quit vaping lists practical steps.
Health information is general and educational. It does not replace advice from a doctor, pharmacist or nurse. Read the full disclaimer.
Frequently asked questions
Does vaping cause popcorn lung?
Health Canada says vaping is not known to cause popcorn lung. It adds that, to date, there have been no confirmed cases of the disease as a result of vaping in Canada.
How many vaping liquids contained diacetyl?
Health Canada's researchers found diacetyl in only 2 samples out of more than 800 vaping liquids.
Does that mean vaping is safe for the lungs?
No. Health Canada says the long-term risks of inhaling vaping aerosol are unknown and still being researched. The popcorn lung finding covers one specific disease only.
Where can I read about other chemicals in vape aerosol?
Our guide to what is in vape aerosol covers the ingredients and how Health Canada compares them with cigarette smoke.
Sources
- Vaping: health risks — Health Canada. Accessed October 31, 2026.