Is Vaping Worse Than Smoking? St. Vincent's Medical Center VAPING: Less harmful but not safe ScienceUpFirst Some reports state that these new, flavored smoking devices are less harmful than tobacco cigarettes but how safe is vaping? In this third part of a four part series, China Daily examines the you can feel fine while your lungs are still taking the hit. That is the trap with vaping. The device looks cleaner than a cigarette, smells softer, and fits into normal life.