Smoking, Vaping and Increased Risk of COPD In the midst of the pandemic, smoking vaping cessation is even more important. But it is also important to know that not all patients who develop COPD have a history of smoking. Vaping, Similar to Cigarette Smoking, May Increase Emphysema Risk Vaping is not harmless. A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that e cigarettes significantly increase the risk of COPD and high blood pressure. Our own Dr. Todd Hoopman shares firsthand accounts