Second-Hand Smoke Linked to 1.66 Million Deaths Globally

A study published in The Lancet Public Health reveals that second-hand smoke (SHS) is a major global health risk, linked to 1.66 million deaths in 2023. Ischaemic heart disease accounted for 537,000 of these deaths, making it the leading cause of mortality associated with tobacco smoke exposure.

The study estimates that 2.71 billion people globally were exposed to SHS, with 44.8 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost. While global exposure rates have declined from 43.6% in 1990 to 33.9% in 2023, the absolute number of individuals exposed remains high, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where exposure has nearly doubled since 1990.

The study also highlights that 767 million children aged 0–14 were exposed to SHS in 2023, with significant health burdens from lower respiratory infections. Women, accounting for 1.49 billion of the exposed individuals, face disproportionate exposure, especially in households where smoking is prevalent.