Overview
The incidence of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IDF) is increasing rapidly worldwide, and it claimed the life of my father. The cause is unknown but the increased prevalence of this incurable lung condition is concerning and worth some thought.
In this personal reflection, I explore the hidden dangers to our lungs—from asbestos exposure to modern-day risks like vape products and poorly regulated cannabis devices. Drawing on my past work in toxic tort research, I highlight the long-term consequences of corporate negligence and call for urgent attention to environmental and consumer product safety. Just as we failed to act early on asbestos and tobacco, we risk repeating history with today’s inhalable products. It’s time to prioritize public health over profit.
My father passed away from pulmonary fibrosis, a devastating lung disease with no cure. It’s a condition that is becoming increasingly prevalent, yet it remains under discussed. Current medications only slow its progression. Emerging treatments in the pharmaceutical pipeline may one day offer a cure, but they will likely remain inaccessible to many due to their prohibitive cost. Other options, such as lung transplants, are severely limited in availability. In my father’s case, despite successfully overcoming prostate cancer, he was disqualified from receiving a lung transplant due to his medical history.
Lessons from Asbestos
Earlier in my career, I worked as a toxic tort researcher, focusing on asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. This history is a tragic example of corporate negligence: companies knew of asbestos’ dangers for decades but chose to suppress the information. Mesothelioma, a lethal form of cancer, is caused exclusively by asbestos exposure. Because symptoms take many decades to manifest, workers are unknowingly exposed, only to suffer severe health consequences later in life.
Had corporations prioritized human safety over profits, they could have implemented ventilation systems and wet-processing protocols to reduce exposure. Instead, asbestos was widely used in building materials, shipyards, and infrastructure projects. Asbestos is even in the cement pipe that delivers our water today. Asbestos remains a hidden hazard in older structures, threatening those who work in demolition, renovation, and infrastructure repair. The lessons from this tragedy should serve as a warning about corporate greed and disregard for human life. Asbestos was not an unknown danger; its dangers were well documented in medical literature dating back to the early 1900s. Knowledge didn’t stop this tragedy.
The Rise of Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emerging Health Risks
Unlike mesothelioma, pulmonary fibrosis does not have a single known cause, yet its incidence is rising significantly in recent years. Many speculate that environmental factors, air pollution, and exposure to inhaled chemicals play a significant role. Given the increase in industrial pollutants and the popularity of certain consumer products, it’s worth investigating whether modern lifestyles are accelerating the risk.
One significant area of concern is the widespread use of inhalable consumer products—particularly in the cannabis and nicotine industries.
The Cannabis Industry: A Double-Edged Sword
Cannabis, a collection of plants colloquially known as marijuana, pot, or weed, is now legal in many jurisdictions and its superb medical benefits are being recognized. It’s offering relief for chronic pain, treatment-resistant epilepsy, depression, and PTSD; just to name a few of its triumphs. Recreationally, it’s a better drug than alcohol. No hangovers, no liver damage, and no violence. If I had a magic wand, I’d replace alcohol with cannabis for all of society.
However, while the cannabis plant itself holds tremendous potential, the industry surrounding it is not without risk. The method of consumption matters. Today, two concerning trends have emerged:
1. The Widespread Use of Vape Products
The growing popularity of liquid vape cartridges for both cannabis and nicotine is deeply concerning. Studies suggest that these products contain harmful chemicals, including vitamin E acetate, which has been linked to EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury). While vitamin E acetate has been largely removed from legal cannabis vape products, concerns about the long-term effects of inhaling other chemicals persist. Given the long time span for illnesses like pulmonary fibrosis to develop, it may be many years before we understand the full extent of the dangers posed by other chemicals.
2. Low-Cost Vaporizers with Plastic Components
Another alarming trend is the proliferation of cheaply made vaporizers, often manufactured with plastic mouthpieces. These devices may expose users to potential off-gassing from plastic heated to high temperatures. Unlike glass, which remains inert, plastic components can release harmful fumes when subjected to heat, leading to potential respiratory damage. These products, often made with minimal regulation, are sold for as little as $50, making them widely accessible but potentially dangerous.
Protecting Future Generations
Mesothelioma is a chilling reminder of how long term exposure to toxic substances can take decades to reveal its deadly consequences. There’s typically a gap of 25 to 70 years from exposure to disease onset. And mesothelioma is not unique in this long time horizon. Diseases like pulmonary fibrosis and other chronic respiratory conditions often follow the same slow, silent path.
No teenager trying a vape pen is thinking about their lung health at age 65. But we should be. If we ignore the reality of the diseases that are plaguing our society, then we are certain to follow the same path as asbestos or tobacco. If we herald short term profits over long term health, the cycle will repeat, and we’ll be at a public health crisis that will only benefit the pharmaceutical companies that are developing the drugs to prolong the lives of those dying.
Addendum
So what should the cannabis lover do? Edibles are safe but not the same experience. Glass stemmed vaporizers, such as the Arizer Solo 2*, with dry herb may be a safer alternative to plastic vapes and liquid products.
* This is not an affiliate link and I am not affiliated with this product in any way. I can not say with 100% certainly that this will not also cause harm in some way. Do your own research.
FAQ
What is pulmonary fibrosis?
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive lung disease that causes scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen flow in the blood. There is currently no cure.
What causes pulmonary fibrosis?
In many cases, the cause is unknown (this is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis), but environmental exposures like inhaled toxins, infections, and autoimmune diseases are all potential contributors.
How is asbestos still a threat today?
While asbestos use has been heavily restricted, it remains present in older buildings, pipes, and infrastructure. Disturbing these materials during renovations or disasters can release fibers into the air, putting people at risk decades after exposure.
Are vape pens and cartridges safe?
Not necessarily. Some vape products, especially low-cost or unregulated ones, may contain harmful chemicals or materials that can damage lung tissue over time. Long-term effects are still being studied.
Why are plastic vape components a concern?
When heated, plastic parts can release toxic fumes that are inhaled directly into the lungs. Unlike glass, some plastics may degrade under high heat, posing respiratory risks.
Is smoking cannabis safer than vaping it?
Combustion (smoking) has its own risks due to tar and particulates. While dry herb vaping with glass may be safer than liquid vape cartridges or plastic devices, edibles are the safest inhalation-free option.
What’s the connection between cannabis and lung disease?
Cannabis itself may not be the issue—it’s how it’s consumed. Inhalation through poorly made or chemically-laden products introduces potentially harmful substances into the lungs.
What can I do to protect my lungs?
Try to avoid exposure to smoke, vapors from questionable products, and airborne toxins. If working in old buildings, shipyards, or in repairing infrastructure, learn about asbestos and use personal protective equipment.
Where can I learn more?
Check out the “Additional Reading” section at the end of this article for links to trusted sources and scientific studies.
Additional Reading
Is Smoking Out of Plastic Harmful to Your Health?
Can vaping damage your lungs? What we do (and don’t) know Harvard Health.
Metal Concentrations in e-Cigarette Liquid and Aerosol Samples: The Contribution of Metallic Coils
Plastic Products Leach Chemicals That Induce In Vitro Toxicity under Realistic Use Conditions
Asbestos in Drinking Water: The Danger of Old Asbestos Pipes and Natural Disasters