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, Dangers of Vaping University of Utah Health University of Utah Health New lung scans prove vaping is toxic. The science is officially in. Scans show that teens have developed "popcorn lung" as a result of vaping. It's a permanent, chronic disease that shortens 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, Eastside Vaping on the rise