Are Disposable Vapes Safe? EDGE Vaping Illicit Vapes and E Cigarettes Flood Stores as F.D.A. Struggles to Combat Imports The New York Times Vapes are harmful and can be highly addictive. Some disposable vapes have nearly tripled in nicotine strength in the span of only 5 years. Vapes are harmful and can be highly addictive. Some disposable vapes have nearly tripled in nicotine strength in the span of only 5 years.