How Does Vaping Affect You? Short & Long Term Effects Explained Queensland Health We said what we said. Vapes are filled with heaps of nasty chemicals that can be harmful to your short and long term health. They can Instagram Vaping Harmless. Vape aerosol contains toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, arsenic, lead, chromium, and nickel. They damage lungs. They harm developing brains. They raise cancer risks. We Vaping releases toxic chemicals, including heavy metals, as well as ultrafine particles that go deep into the lungs. These increase the risk of heart and lung disorders.