Secondhand Smoke Linked to 1.7 Million Global Deaths in 2023

More than 2.7 billion people worldwide, including children, were exposed to secondhand smoke in 2023, a new study in *The Lancet Public Health* reports. The research, published Tuesday, links this widespread exposure to nearly 1.7 million deaths that year, underscoring the continued public health burden of tobacco smoke beyond active smokers.

The analysis drew on data from 2020–2023, compiling exposure estimates from national surveys, household air quality measurements, and health outcome registries. It found that children under 18 accounted for a disproportionate share of the exposed population, with many living in households where at least one adult smokes. The study also highlighted regional disparities, noting that exposure rates were highest in South Asia and sub‑Saharan Africa, where tobacco use remains common and indoor ventilation is often limited.

Health experts emphasize that these figures reinforce the urgency of implementing stricter smoke‑free policies and expanding cessation support. While global tobacco control initiatives have reduced smoking prevalence, the persistent risk posed by secondhand smoke continues to claim lives, calling for renewed investment in public health interventions and regulatory enforcement.