Not just water vapor: why e cigarettes are so dangerous PUBLIC HEALTH INSIDER Vaping is often marketed as harmless. Flavoured. Trendy. Safer than smoking. But the reality is far more serious, especially for children and teens. When kids vape, they are inhaling addictive nicotine and Do you know what's in a vape? Vaping releases toxic chemicals, including heavy metals, as well as ultrafine particles that go deep into the lungs. These increase the risk of heart and lung disorders.