Lancet: Over 760 million children affected by second-hand smoke worldwide
A new study published in The Lancet reveals that over 2.7 billion people, including 767 million children, were exposed to second-hand smoke in 2023. Despite global declines in smoking, population growth has kept exposure levels stable, leading to significant health burdens.
Why it matters
Second-hand smoke remains a leading preventable cause of death and disability, particularly affecting children and vulnerable populations.
PARIS, Sept 8 — More than 2.7 billion people including children have been exposed to second-hand smoke globally, contributing to nearly 1.7 million deaths in 2023, according to study published Tuesday in The Lancet.
Tobacco remains a leading cause of disease globally, the study said, noting many “non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke” were among the estimate total of 8 million people who died in 2023 of smoking-related illnesses.
“Exposure to second-hand smoke is a globally recognised health risk, with no safe level of inhalation,” it said.
By reviewing studies published in the US National Institutes of Health database PubMed along with population surveys, Tuesday’s study sought to estimate the prevalence of exposure to second-hand smoke and quantify the burden of disease in 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2023.
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