PARIS: More than 2.7 billion people worldwide, including hundreds of millions of children, were exposed to second-hand smoke in 2023, contributing to nearly 1.7 million deaths, according to a study published in The Lancet.
The study found that 767 million children aged 14 and below were among those exposed to tobacco smoke. Researchers estimated that second-hand smoke caused 1.66 million premature deaths and contributed to illness and disability worldwide.
Ischemic heart disease was among the leading health conditions linked to exposure. Among children, second-hand smoke was estimated to have caused 5.2 million respiratory tract infections in 2023.
Researchers reviewed scientific studies and population surveys to assess second-hand smoke exposure and its health impact across 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2023.
The study stressed that there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. Non-smokers near active smokers inhale both smoke released from burning tobacco and smoke exhaled by smokers.
The sidestream smoke, which makes up much of the air inhaled by nearby non-smokers, can contain high concentrations of toxic and cancer-causing substances.
Although global smoking rates have declined since 1990, the total number of people exposed to second-hand smoke has remained largely unchanged due to population growth and rising exposure in Africa and the Middle East.
Women are disproportionately affected, particularly in regions where few women smoke but many are exposed to smoke from others.
The researchers called for stronger tobacco control measures in public places and homes to better protect non-smokers, especially women and children, from the health risks of second-hand smoke. – AFP
