Disposable vapes contain 'more toxic metals than 19 cigarette packs' Can Vaping Cause Lung Cancer? Here's What We Know. E cigarettes are not a healthier alternative to cigarettes. They contain nicotine and many harmful ingredients that can cause cancer and heart disease. Since these products are relatively new, we don't know all Since their introduction in Europe in 2006 and the U.S. in 2007, the use of e cigarettes a.k.a., vapes has skyrocketed. A recent review from researchers in Australia found the results