Over 2.7 Billion People Exposed to Second-Hand Smoke Globally in 2023, Linked to 1.66 Million Premature Deaths

A new study published in The Lancet reveals that more than 2.7 billion people worldwide, including 767 million children aged 0–14, were exposed to second-hand smoke in 2023. This exposure is linked to an estimated 1.66 million premature deaths and approximately 5.2 million respiratory tract infections among children. Researchers emphasize that there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke and urge governments to strengthen tobacco-control measures.