Secondhand vape exposure: Risks and side effects Vapes vs Cigarettes: The Ultimate Showdown ? () Although often promoted as safer than traditional cigarettes, e cigarettes still harm the body in many ways. 1. Health Risks Most vapes contain nicotine, Vapes vs Cigarettes: Which One is More Deadly? Atlus Vaping Harmless. Vape aerosol contains toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, arsenic, lead, chromium, and nickel. They damage lungs. They harm developing brains. They raise cancer risks. We Eliminating Tobacco Use in Washington Kids American Heart Association