Study in The Lancet reveals over 2.7 billion people, including 767 million children, exposed to second-hand smoke globally in 2023

A new study published in The Lancet highlights the widespread impact of second-hand smoke, with an estimated 2.7 billion people, including 767 million children, exposed worldwide in 2023. This exposure contributed to approximately 1.66 million premature deaths and significant health issues, particularly ischemic heart disease and respiratory infections in children. The research emphasizes that despite a decline in smoking prevalence since 1990, the number of people exposed remains stable due to population growth, urging governments to implement stricter tobacco controls.