Study links second-hand smoke to nearly 1.7 million deaths globally
People near someone smoking inhale 'sidestream smoke', which carries higher concentrations of toxic and carcinogenic compounds.
A recent study published in The Lancet has found that second-hand smoke exposure is responsible for nearly 1.7 million deaths globally in 2023, with nearly 2.7 billion people, including 767 million children aged 0 to 14, exposed to the harmful substance. Tobacco remains a leading cause of disease worldwide, and while smoking prevalence has declined since 1990, the absolute number of people exposed has remained stable due to population growth and increased exposure in Africa and the Middle East.
Women are disproportionately affected by second-hand smoke, particularly in regions where smoking prevalence among women is low. Despite the substantial burden of disease, exposure to second-hand smoke remains rarely acknowledged as a major risk factor for female health. The study calls for stronger tobacco controls in public places and homes to better protect women and children from second-hand smoke.
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