Can Vaping Cause Lung Cancer? Here's What We Know. Vapes don't produce harmless water vapor. They can contain addictive nicotine, cancer causing chemicals like acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, as well as heavy metals that don't belong in your body. Live Vape Free is Breast Cancer & E Cigarettes: Is Vaping a Safer Alternative to Smoking? Maurer Foundation Vaping cannabis found to expose lung cells to toxic and cancer linked substances Vaping and Throat Cancer: What You Need to Know