popcorn lung

English

Etymology

From popcorn +‎ lung. So called because an outbreak at a popcorn factory led to the recommendation of respiratory protection for all workers in microwave popcorn production.

Noun

popcorn lung (usually uncountable, plural popcorn lungs) (medicine, colloquial)

1. (uncountable) Bronchiolitis obliterans.
2. (countable, rare) A lung affected by bronchiolitis obliterans.

Coordinate terms

• butanedione (the chemical that when inhaled causes popcorn lung)
• diacetyl (the chemical inhaled that causes popcorn lung)
• artificial butter flavour (the chemical inhaled that causes popcorn lung)