Vaping vs Smoking: Effects and Tips for Protecting Your Lungs Max Hospital Vaping isn't harmless. Early nicotine use can harm brain development, affect how nerve cells work, and increase the risk of addiction. Young people who vape are 4x more likely to start smoking Do E Cigarettes Do More Good Than Harm? WSJ 2.3% of US population reports current e cigarette use Vaping: What Parents Need to Know Vaping isn't harmless it's a serious concern. Most vape products contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can impact developing brains and overall health.