What happens to your lungs from smoking? UT MD Anderson 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, Understanding the Dangers of Vaping: EVALI and Lung Injury Mouth to Lung (MTL) Vs Direct Lung (DL) Inhale Explained E Cigarette Direct