popcorn lung

English

Etymology

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 (uncountable)

1. (medicine, colloquial) 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)