Study: Second-hand smoke linked to nearly 1.7 million deaths globally

A study published Tuesday in The Lancet reports that second-hand smoke contributed to nearly 1.7 million deaths in 2023. More than 2.7 billion people, including 767 million children aged 0 to 14, were exposed to second-hand smoke globally in 2023. The research, which reviewed population surveys and the US National Institutes of Health database PubMed, analyzed data from 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2023.

The study found that exposure to second-hand smoke resulted in 1.66 million premature deaths and caused premature disability and illness, specifically citing ischemic heart disease. In children, the exposure is estimated to have caused 5.2 million respiratory tract infections in 2023. The report explains that non-smokers inhale both sidestream smoke and smoke exhaled by the active smoker, noting that the unfiltered sidestream component carries higher concentrations of toxic and carcinogenic compounds.

While the percentage of the population exposed to second-hand smoke is retreating, the absolute number of people exposed has remained stable due to population growth and increased exposure in the Middle East and Africa. The study also noted that women are disproportionately affected, particularly in regions where female smoking prevalence is low. Consequently, the study called for governments to implement stronger tobacco controls in homes and public places to protect women and children.