Safer Is Not Safe Lawrence County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc. Vaping vs. smoking: Long term effects, benefits, and risks Some reports state that these new, flavored smoking devices are less harmful than tobacco cigarettes but how safe is vaping? In this third part of a four part series, China Daily examines the ? () Although often promoted as safer than traditional cigarettes, e cigarettes still harm the body in many ways. 1. Health Risks Most vapes contain nicotine, Since their introduction in Europe in 2006 and the U.S. in 2007, the use of e cigarettes a.k.a., vapes has skyrocketed. A recent review from researchers in Australia found the results