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 Vaping not only exposes young people to toxic and cancer causing chemicals, it can also have harmful effects on mental health. Our new report found that youth and young adults who vape experience Vaping cannabis found to expose lung cells to toxic and cancer linked substances