Illicit Vapes and E Cigarettes Flood Stores as F.D.A. Struggles to Combat Imports The New York Times Vapes aren't harmless and they're a health and environmental issue. Disposable vapes contain plastic, toxic chemicals, and lithium batteries that can leak into soil and water, harming wildlife and polluting our What's in vapes? Toxins, heavy metals, maybe radioactive polonium Another reason to quit vaping? The environmental impact of e cigarettes How harmful are electronic cigarettes?