Totally agree, it definitely isn't safe, and it isn't safe for the person vaping or anyone exposed second-hand. However, the evidence so far does suggest the harm is somewhat less than regular tobacco smoke.
In contrast, we've been using vapes for about 20 years - and they've only been widespread for maybe 10.
From Wikipedia:
The practice is believed to have begun as early as 5000–3000 BC in Mesoamerica and South America. Tobacco was introduced to Eurasia in the late 17th century by European colonists.