Is Vaping Worse Than Smoking? Hartford HealthCare CT The Vape Debate: This New Trend May Be Riskier Than You Think MedStar Health 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. When someone vapes around others they expose them to 'second hand aerosol'. But what happens to that aerosol then? Does it disappear or is it like cigarette smoke and stays around, sticking to Tobacco Smoke, Vaping, and Asthma AAFA.org