More Than 2.7 Billion Exposed to Passive Smoking Globally, Children and Women Among Worst Affected
What Happened
A major study published in The Lancet Public Health found that more than 2.7 billion people worldwide, including 767 million children, were exposed to second-hand smoke in 2023. Researchers estimated that this exposure contributed to 1.66 million premature deaths globally and significant disability and illness across 204 countries and territories.
Key Takeaways
The study concluded that there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. Ischemic heart disease was the leading cause of death linked to passive smoking, while children suffered an estimated 5.2 million respiratory infections. Researchers called for stronger tobacco-control measures to better protect women and children, who remain disproportionately affected.