Study: Second-hand smoke causes nearly 1.7m deaths

MORE than 2.7 billion people, including 767 million children aged up to 14, were exposed to second-hand smoke globally in 2023, according to a study published in 'The Lancet'.

This exposure contributed to nearly 1.7 million premature deaths and extensive illness, led by ischemic heart disease, while causing 5.2 million respiratory tract infections in children.

Tobacco remains a leading cause of disease globally, with non-smokers making up a notable portion of the estimated eight million smoking-related deaths in 2023.

"Exposure to second-hand smoke is a globally recognised health risk, with no safe level of inhalation," it said.

Analysing data from 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2023, researchers explained that non-smokers near active smokers inhale both exhaled smoke and sidestream smoke from the burning tobacco.

"The sidestream component, which dominates the air non-smokers breathe, is unfiltered, carrying higher per-unit concentrations of the toxic and carcinogenic compounds than the smoke inhaled by active smokers," it said.

Despite drops in overall smoking prevalence since 1990, the total number of people exposed has stayed stable due to population growth and rising exposure in Africa and the Middle East.

Women are disproportionately affected, especially in regions where female smoking rates are low.

"Despite this substantial burden, (second-hand smoke) exposure remains rarely acknowledged as a major risk factor for female health."

To safeguard vulnerable groups, the study urged governments to enforce stricter tobacco controls across public places and homes to better protect women and children. — AFP