Secondhand Exposure to E Cigarettes Puts COPD Patients At Risk Respiratory Therapy 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 Vaping and COPD: Is it okay or can it cause more problems? Vaping Marijuana Causes More Lung Damage Than Vaping or Smoking Nicotine 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,