Secondhand Exposure to E Cigarettes Puts COPD Patients At Risk Respiratory Therapy Smoking cigarettes has long been proven to cause severe lung damage, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and lung cancer. Over time, cigarette smoke destroys lung tissue, fills airways with tar, Marijuana and Your Lungs: Is Vaping Safe for People with COPD? Emphysema: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment