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 and COPD: Is it okay or can it cause more problems? Vaping is not harmless. A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that e cigarettes significantly increase the risk of COPD and high blood pressure. Our own Dr. Todd Hoopman shares firsthand accounts Elevated risk of developing COPD with e cigarette use: Study Cardiopulmonary Impact of Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Products: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association Circulation