Second-Hand Smoke Kills 1.66 Million People As Billions Remain Exposed

• A major new study published in The Lancet revealed that more than 2.7 billion people were exposed to second-hand smoke in 2023
• Researchers found that 767 million of those affected were children aged between zero and 14, facing serious respiratory health risks
• The study warned that exposure has remained stubbornly high despite falling global smoking rates, with women and children most at risk

A new study has found that more than 2.7 billion people around the world were exposed to second-hand smoke in 2023. The research estimated that this exposure contributed to 1.66 million premature deaths during that year alone.

Researchers drew on studies from the US National Institutes of Health's PubMed database and population surveys to track second-hand smoke exposure and its health impact across 204 countries and territories, covering the period from 1990 to 2023.

Children bear a heavy burden

Of the 2.7 billion people affected, roughly 767 million were children aged between zero and 14. Researchers estimated that second-hand smoke contributed to approximately 5.2 million respiratory tract infections among children in 2023.

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The study also identified ischaemic heart disease as the leading contributor to the overall health burden linked to second-hand smoke exposure. Researchers emphasised that there is no safe level of exposure, regardless of how brief or limited the contact may be.

Why non-smokers are still at risk

People who do not smoke can still inhale harmful substances simply by being near someone who does. Smoke released directly from a burning cigarette, known as sidestream smoke, makes up a large portion of what bystanders breathe in. Because it is unfiltered, it can carry high concentrations of toxic and cancer-causing compounds.

This means that living or spending time with a smoker carries real health consequences, even for those who have never touched a cigarette themselves.

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Exposure rising in parts of Africa and the Middle East

Global smoking rates have declined significantly since 1990, yet the number of people exposed to second-hand smoke has stayed relatively steady. Researchers attributed this to population growth and increasing exposure in parts of Africa and the Middle East.

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Women were found to be disproportionately affected, particularly in regions where few women smoke themselves. The study noted that the health risks faced by women in this regard are frequently underestimated and overlooked in public health discussions.

The researchers called on governments to tighten tobacco-control measures in public spaces and private homes to better shield women, children and other non-smokers from the effects of smoke they never chose to inhale.

Parliament moves to adopt new smoking bill

Briefly News also reported that the Portfolio Committee on Health agreed that the new smoking bill should move forward in the law-making process. According to a report on 25 June 2026, if passed, the bill, known as the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, will introduce harsher changes. These include banning smoking and vaping in indoor public spaces, enforcing plain packaging with graphic health warnings, and removing all tobacco product displays in shops.

Source: Briefly News