What Does Vaping Do to Your Lungs? Johns Hopkins Medicine Why You Cough When You Vape, and How to Stop It! E Cigarette Direct Do electronic cigarettes create thirdhand chemical residue? Thirdhand Smoke Resource Center 6 Tips to Get Around Vape Detectors 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 refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling aerosol, often called vapor, produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device. These devices heat a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and