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, Vaping drives toxic metals into lungs within days Physicians create guide for identifying, treating vaping lung illness Curious about the difference between healthy lungs and a vaper's lungs? See how vaping impacts your lungs, and why it's best to quit early.