Eh, I kind of believe it. My spouse anon has been hacking like they have emphysema ever since they started vaping. I think it's safer than smoking, but don't think it's exactly healthy for you. Spouse anon is a non smoker for reference, quit the real thing decades ago and only started hacking after starting vaping.
My spouse anon is one. They even acknowledge they hack more when they vape. They do it on/off, it's quite noticeable. They also have asthma so there is that too.