Cigarette smoke can reprogram cells in your airways, causing COPD to hang on after smoking ends FloridaHealthFinder Smoking and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) Health Encyclopedia FloridaHealthFinder E cigarettes, vapes, juul, extwhatever you call them, they are not a better alternative to smoking. They still contain toxic chemicals that cause severe lung diseases. Start your quit plan today by call Peter "But isn't vaping safer than smoking?" ! Vaping is a safe alternative! What Research Shows: 49% INCREASED RISK of developing COPD if you vape.