About a third of the world’s population will be exposed to second-hand smoke in 2023, with women and children the most affected, researchers say.

According to a global study published in The Lancet Public Health, in 2023, around 1.66 million people died due to exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke, while more than 2.71 billion people were affected by second-hand smoke.

According to the research, in 2023, about one-third of the world’s population was exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke, resulting in the loss of 44.8 million healthy life years.

Researchers analyzed data from 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2023 to assess the global burden of exposure to secondhand smoke.

Despite the rate cut Billions of people are still affected

According to research results, over the past several decades, the proportion of the world’s population exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke has decreased by 22%, but the total number of people affected has remained almost constant due to the rapid increase in the world’s population.

During the study period, this burden was particularly significant in sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and the Middle East, where exposure to second-hand smoke has increased dramatically.

Greater impact on children and women

According to the research, in 2023, about 767 million children between the age of newborn and 14 years were exposed to indirect tobacco smoke.

Exposure to secondhand smoke in children was associated with approximately 5.2 million lower respiratory tract infections.

According to the researchers, coronary artery disease was the leading cause of death from secondhand tobacco smoke among adults.

The study also found that in many regions, women were exposed to significantly more second-hand smoke than men.

In some regions of Southeast Asia, East Asia and Oceania, women were up to 59 percent more likely than men to be exposed to second-hand smoke.

The researchers attributed the difference to male smoking indoors, while female smoking rates were relatively low in these regions.

Researchers call for tougher restrictions on smoking

Researchers warn that no level of exposure to tobacco smoke can be considered safe.

He urged governments to ensure effective implementation of smoking bans in homes and public places to reduce exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke and the associated health risks.

Note: This article is published for the information of readers, follow your physician’s advice on health related matters.