Vaping damages young people's lungs as much as smoking, study suggests Vaping The Guardian Experts show that flavored e cigarettes cause irreversible lung damage. A U.S. teen developed "popcorn lung" after secretly vaping for 3 years a permanent, life altering disease. Officially known as bronchiolitis obliterans, the Vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking. But scientific research is increasingly showing that inhaling aerosolized chemicals can still damage the lungs. Studies have identified E cigarette or Vaping Product COPD and Vaping: Understanding the Risks and Long Term Effects Vaping Marijuana Causes More Lung Damage Than Vaping or Smoking Nicotine