Are vape pens, or e cigarettes, ever the better option? Ohio State Health & Discovery Vaping vs. Smoking Which is Safer for Your Lungs? Think vaping is the "healthier" option? Think again. Both smoking and vaping come with serious risks to your lung health, Vapes might be less harmful than traditional cigarettes and might help smokers quit smoking, but they are not safe, especially for individuals younger than 25 years old. Plus, much is still unknown Many young people who vape did not smoke cigarettes before they started vaping. But young people who vape are more likely to start smoking cigarettes than those who never vape. For help