Puffing: What Does It Mean and What Are the Risks? If you vape, you inhale a lot of harmful substances. These can damage your heart and lungs. Smokers and Vapers May Be at Greater Risk for Covid 19 The New York Times Understanding the Risks of Vaping on Lung Health Smoking and vaping are often compared, but neither is harmless. While they work differently, both can expose the lungs to addictive nicotine and harmful chemicals that impact breathing and overall health. Smoking Does Vaping Cause Lung Cancer? What We Know (and Still Don't)