Smoking: Effects, Risks, Diseases, Quitting & Solutions Health Risks of Smoking & Vaping Riverside Health While vaping is not risk free, it is less harmful than tobacco Our World in Data Vaping has become common, but it's important to know what you're inhaling. Many e cigarettes contain nicotine, heavy metals like nickel and lead, and chemicals that can harm your lungs and overall health. Primary health effects from smoking. Figure 1 used with permission from Download Scientific Diagram