The Difference Between Healthy Lungs and Smoker's Lungs Think vaping is safer than smoking? While it may seem less harmful, vaping can still cause lung irritation, inflammation, and long term respiratory issues especially with regular use. The damage often starts HealthMatch Vaping may be safer than cigarettes, but it's not safe You may not feel it yet but the damage can already be happening. Smoking and vaping harm your lungs even before symptoms appear. What feels okay today can lead to serious health