My understanding is that the proverbial jury is still out on whether vaping truly is less harmful to the lungs that smoking[0][1]. That would mean that vaping (instead of smoking) isn't necessarily a positive health outcome.

[0] https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2020/05/risks-vaping

[1] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-preventi...

[0]: "Studies suggest nicotine vaping may be less harmful than traditional cigarettes when people who regularly smoke switch to them as a complete replacement."

[1]: "Vaping Is Less Harmful Than Smoking, but It’s Still Not Safe"

[1] has some problems. It seems to be conflating the vitamin E acetate issue with vaping in general. ("However, there has also been an outbreak of lung injuries and deaths associated with vaping. As of Jan. 21, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 60 deaths in patients with e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI).") The section on "Research Suggests Vaping Is Bad for Your Heart and Lungs" focuses on nicotine. Which raises your blood pressure. And not much else, according to other sources.

It’s definitely a positive outcome when it comes to cancer prevention. The evidence is quite clear that vaping is way better than smoking for lung cancer. [0][1]

I think the evidence is out as to what, if any, are the harms of vaping. But it’s not arguable that it’s better for you than smoking.

[0] https://www.newscientist.com/article/2120440-switching-from-...

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28778971/

It's not really up for debate whether or not vaping is healthier. It's a night and day difference. Vaping is far less harmful than smoking.