Second-hand smoke contributed to nearly 1.7 million deaths in 2023, study finds

The short version

• A study published in The Lancet estimated that second-hand smoke was linked to nearly 1.7 million fatalities in 2023.[France 24]
• More than 2.7 billion people globally, including 767 million children, experienced second-hand smoke exposure.[France 24]
• Researchers concluded that there is no safe exposure threshold, noting 5.2 million child respiratory infections that year.[France 24]
• Global exposed numbers have stayed flat since 1990 because of population expansion and rising rates in Africa and the Middle East.[France 24]

Key facts

• A Lancet study reported nearly 1.7 million deaths associated with second-hand smoke in 2023.[France 24]
• Over 2.7 billion people, among them 767 million children, were exposed to second-hand smoke worldwide in 2023.[France 24]
• Scientists determined that no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke exists.[France 24]
• Exposure was estimated to have triggered 5.2 million pediatric respiratory tract infections in 2023.[France 24]
• Overall exposure counts remained unchanged since 1990 due to demographic growth alongside increases across Africa and the Middle East.[France 24]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Nearly 1.7 million deaths linked to second-hand smoke in 2023, study findsFrance 24