Opinion The Formaldehyde in Your E Cigs The New York Times Vaping is often seen as a less harmful alternative to smoking, but since it is still relatively new, there is no way to study the long term effects. Both vaping and smoking irritate E cigarettes almost always contain nicotine. Vaping can expose you and others around you to harmful chemicals, such as: Formaldehyde Higher in E Cigarettes than Previously Reported, say researchers Chemical Free Life About E Cigarettes (Vapes) Smoking and Tobacco Use CDC E cigarettes: 'cancer risk close to zero' Bhekisisa