Just How Harmful Is Vaping? More Evidence Is Emerging. The New York Times Young people who vape are 3 times more likely to take up smoking cigarettes. Vaping can lead to lung damage and can be harmful for young brains, which are still developing until You've probably noticed it. Step outside lately and cigarettes are back in rotation. Vapes had their moment. Now they're starting to feel a little overdone. Cigarettes never changed and that might be Vaping: How popular are e cigarettes?