Can vaping damage your lungs? What we do (and don't) know Harvard Health Vaping: What Are The Risks & Is It REALLY Safer Than Smoking? Women's Recovery Just How Harmful Is Vaping? More Evidence Is Emerging. The New York Times Health experts are sounding the alarm about a serious condition linked to vaping, known as "popcorn lung" or bronchiolitis obliterans. This irreversible lung disease is caused by harmful chemicals, like diacetyl, found