A recent study published in The Lancet has revealed that exposure to second-hand smoke contributed to nearly 1.7 million deaths globally in 2023. The study, which analyzed data from 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2023, found that over 2.7 billion people, including 767 million children aged 0 to 14, were exposed to second-hand smoke. This exposure is estimated to have caused 1.66 million premature deaths and led to significant illness and disability, particularly from ischemic heart disease.
The study highlighted that second-hand smoke is a globally recognized health risk, with no safe level of inhalation. It noted that people exposed to second-hand smoke breathe in both sidestream smoke from the burning tobacco product and smoke exhaled by the active smoker. The sidestream component, which is unfiltered, carries higher concentrations of toxic and carcinogenic compounds compared to what the active smoker inhales.
Despite a significant decline in smoking prevalence globally since 1990, the absolute number of people exposed to second-hand smoke has remained stable due to population growth and increased exposure in regions like Africa and the Middle East. The study also pointed out that women are disproportionately affected by second-hand smoke, especially in areas where smoking prevalence among women is low.
In children, exposure to second-hand smoke is estimated to have caused 5.2 million respiratory tract infections in 2023. The study called for stronger tobacco controls in public places and homes to better protect women and children from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
Tobacco remains a leading cause of disease globally, with the study noting that many non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke were among the estimated 8 million people who died from smoking-related illnesses in 2023. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive tobacco control measures to reduce the prevalence of smoking and protect non-smokers from the dangers of second-hand smoke.
In Bangladesh, where tobacco use remains prevalent, the study's findings highlight the importance of implementing and enforcing strict tobacco control policies. Reducing exposure to second-hand smoke can significantly improve public health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and women.
