What Vaping Really Does to Your Lungs University of Utah Health Smoking cigarettes has long been proven to cause severe lung damage, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and lung cancer. Over time, cigarette smoke destroys lung tissue, fills airways with tar, Vaping vs. Smoking Which is Safer for Your Lungs? Think vaping is the "healthier" option? Think again. Both smoking and vaping come with serious risks to your lung health, Understanding the Risks of Vaping on Lung Health Vaping is risky. Do not do it if you care about your lungs Thomas Eissenberg The Guardian