Will chronic e cigarette use cause lung disease? Thoracic and Sleep Group Queensland Smoking poses severe dangers to lung health, including: 1. Lung Cancer Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, increasing the risk of developing this deadly disease. 2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ( E cigs: What You Need to Know if You Care for Patients with COPD Challenges in COPD 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, Does Vaping Cause Lung Cancer?