That was from bootleg THC carts that had adulterated ingredients [0]. In this context we're talking about vaping (nicotine liquid) vs smoking (cigarettes).

Vaping is not as safe as inhaling nothing but air. But we do know scientifically that it is substantially safer than smoking [1], despite the (big tobacco-funded) scare campaigns that claim otherwise.

In other words, nothing > vaping > smoking. If you don't use nicotine today, don't start. But if you want to get off cigarettes, vaping is a great choice and provably safer.

[0] https://www.nbcnews.com/health/vaping/tests-show-bootleg-mar...

[1] https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/vaping-substantially-less-harmful...