Perhaps you haven't escaped it either.
In the middle of a family meal or among friends, as you pull out your e-cigarette, someone makes a comment:
"Oh yes, but it's now proven — vaping destroys your lungs! It even causes serious and irreversible diseases."
No sources. No recent studies cited. Just a statement put out there, categorical and vague, that has almost become received wisdom and popular truth. But where does this misconception come from? Is there a grain of truth in these alarming claims? And above all, what is the reality in 2025?
Diacetyl: a poison?
Diacetyl, or 2,3-butanedione, is a compound well known to the food industry. It is naturally present in many foods, notably in butter, cheese and beer. It is even used as a flavoring agent for its creamy, slightly buttery aroma.
Harmless when ingested, diacetyl can become problematic when inhaled repeatedly, particularly in vaporized form. This is what was demonstrated by the cases of obliterative bronchiolitis that appeared among popcorn factory workers in the United States in the 2000s.
The disease, nicknamed "popcorn lung", is serious but very rare. And above all, it appeared in contexts of intense and prolonged exposure, without any protection.
A controversy still current… but 10 years behind the times
The link between diacetyl and e-liquids was raised as early as 2014. At the time, a study by Dr. Farsalinos revealed that 74.2% of e-liquids tested worldwide contained traces of diacetyl, particularly in sweet and dessert flavors. Worse, around 45% of his e-liquids contained concentrations above the recommended exposure limits. What was the origin of his e-liquids? The study does not say.
But the essential point is often overlooked:
The measured concentrations were 10 to 100 times lower than those found in traditional cigarette smoke.
? Read the study (in English) here and here too
In other words: at the time, vaping already contained far less diacetyl than tobacco. And since then, things have evolved considerably.
A debate resurfacing amid the controversy over flavorings
So why are we talking about it again today?
Recently, certain media outlets and public figures have published fear-inducing articles claiming that e-cigarettes are directly responsible for serious lung diseases in young people. They implicate diacetyl, without citing any studies, documented cases, or even measured concentrations.
Coincidence? These publications come right in the middle of the debate over banning flavorings in vaping, wrongly accused of attracting young people.
In this tense context, reviving an old controversy makes a strong impact on public opinion… even if the reality no longer matches the claims being made.
The vaping industry mobilized for years to ban diacetyl
The vaping industry's reaction to the 2014 study was swift and exemplary.
From the very first alerts, French and European manufacturers worked to remove diacetyl from their recipes, while searching for safer aromatic alternatives.
The turning point was marked by the creation of quality standards, such as the AFNOR certification (XP D90-300-2), which requires:
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0 mg of diacetyl
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0 mg of acetoin
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0 mg of acetyl propionyl
These three compounds, suspected of being irritants to the respiratory tract, are now strictly absent from certified e-liquids.
Today, French laboratories systematically and rigorously test for the absence of these molecules. The result: e-liquids sold in France are among the most thoroughly tested in the world.
How to avoid any trace of diacetyl in your e-liquid?
To vape with confidence, a few simple habits are enough:
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Choose e-liquids made in France or Europe.
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Favor the presence of quality certifications or labels (AFNOR, ISO, etc.).
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Avoid dubious or untraceable e-liquids, especially those purchased from foreign websites.
By following these tips, you ensure that you are vaping a diacetyl-free product, designed in compliance with current standards.
Le Vapoteur Discount: a commitment to quality from the very beginning
At Le Vapoteur Discount, we make it a point of honor to offer you reliable, traceable and safe e-liquids.
✔️ All products sold on our website strictly comply with European regulations (TPD) and benefit from laboratory testing.
✔️ We work directly with manufacturers to guarantee the absence of controversial substances such as diacetyl.
✔️ And of course, we favor French or European brands recognized for their rigor.
Our mission: to offer you the best of vaping, with no compromise on safety or quality.
In summary: let's stay vigilant, but informed
Diacetyl was a cause for concern more than 10 years ago, thanks to this study which enabled the vaping market to improve.
Today, the reality is entirely different:
Rather than giving in to unfounded fears, let's continue to stay informed with discernment.
Also discover our dedicated articles on heavy metals in vaping and the importance of regularly changing your coil, as well as the full list of ingredients to avoid in your e-liquids.
