Second-hand smoke exposure affects 2.7 billion people globally

A study published in The Lancet Public Health reveals that approximately 2.71 billion people were exposed to second-hand smoke in 2023. This includes 1.49 billion women and 767 million children under the age of 15. Involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke was associated with an estimated 1.66 million deaths in 2023 alone.

Researchers note that while the prevalence of exposure has decreased over the last 30 years, the absolute number of exposed individuals remains high due to population growth and unequal implementation of tobacco control policies. Significant increases in exposure have been observed in Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Medical experts emphasize that there is no safe level of exposure, as even sporadic, short-term contact increases the risk of cardiovascular, respiratory, and oncological pathologies. Side-stream smoke, which is not inhaled by the smoker but reaches non-smokers, carries higher concentrations of unfiltered toxic and carcinogenic compounds.

To combat these risks, some nations have implemented strict segregation laws. Singapore requires smokers to remain in restricted areas and prohibits smoking in parks, beaches, and playgrounds. Mexico has also expanded bans to include hotels, terraces, and public squares, while New Zealand has successfully reduced adult smoking rates through adherence to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.