Second-hand smoke causes to nearly 1.7M deaths globally: study
A new study published in The Lancet estimates that second-hand smoke exposure contributed to nearly 1.7 million deaths globally in 2023. Despite a decline in smoking prevalence, population growth has kept the number of exposed individuals stable at approximately 2.7 billion.
Why it matters
The findings highlight the persistent public health burden of tobacco use, particularly for non-smokers and children, suggesting that current global health policies may be insufficient.
AFP, Paris Cigarette butts are seen in an ashtray, in Ankara, Turkey May 13, 2023. REUTERS 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.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in