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Passive smoking: nearly 1.7 million deaths by 2023
World🩺 HealthCenter9/8/2026

Passive smoking: nearly 1.7 million deaths by 2023

A new study published in The Lancet reveals that passive smoking caused nearly 1.7 million deaths among non-smokers worldwide in 2023. The research, based on data from 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2023, indicates that over 2.7 billion people were exposed to secondhand smoke, including 767 million children under the age of 15. The study highlights that heart muscle circulation issues were the most common cause of death linked to passive smoking, while children experienced around 5.2 million respiratory infections due to exposure. Despite a decline in the proportion of smokers globally since 1990, the total number of people exposed to tobacco smoke has remained stable due to population growth, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. Women are disproportionately affected by passive smoking, especially in regions where few women smoke themselves. The study calls for stronger nonsmoking protection laws to safeguard both public and private spaces.

Nearly 1.7 million deaths were attributed to second-hand smoke in 2023, according to a study published in The Lancet on Tuesday. More than 2.7 billion people worldwide, including 767 million children under 14 years old, were exposed to second-hand smoke, the research found. This exposure contributed to 1.66 million premature deaths, with cardiovascular diseases being the primary cause. The study, based on data from 204 countries and territories spanning 1990 to 2023, highlights the ongoing global health threat posed by second-hand smoke despite declining smoking rates. The study notes that while the proportion of smokers has decreased globally since 1990, the absolute number of people exposed to second-hand smoke has remained stable due to population growth. In some regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the Middle East, the number of people exposed has actually increased significantly. Women are disproportionately affected, especially in areas where few women smoke themselves, yet second-hand smoke is often overlooked as a major health risk for them. Second-hand smoke consists of two components: sidestream smoke, which comes from the burning end of a cigarette and is not inhaled by the smoker, and mainstream smoke, which is exhaled after being inhaled. Sidestream smoke is considered more hazardous because it contains higher concentrations of toxic and carcinogenic substances compared to mainstream smoke. Exposure to these substances increases the risk of cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic diseases, with children being particularly vulnerable. The study emphasizes the need for stronger tobacco control policies to protect women and children from second-hand smoke in both public and private spaces. It calls for effective measures to reduce exposure, including stricter regulations and awareness campaigns. In Austria, a law enacted in August prohibits the disposal of cigarette butts and related products on playgrounds, with fines ranging from 500 euros for first-time violations to up to 2,000 euros for repeat offenses. This aligns with Vienna’s existing ban on smoking in playgrounds, reflecting broader efforts to safeguard children from second-hand smoke exposure. According to the study, second-hand smoke was responsible for an estimated 1.66 million premature deaths in 2023, contributing to 44.8 million lost years of healthy life globally. Heart disease accounted for the largest share of these deaths, followed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), strokes, lower respiratory infections, and cancers of the lung, bronchus, and trachea. Among children, second-hand smoke exposure was linked to approximately 5.2 million respiratory tract infections in 2023. While the proportion of people exposed to second-hand smoke has declined by 22 percent since 1990, the overall number of people affected has remained relatively constant due to population growth. In certain regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, the number of individuals exposed has nearly doubled since 1990. Conversely, Latin America and the Caribbean have seen the most significant reduction in exposure, with a decline of 38 percent since 1990. The study underscores the importance of implementing comprehensive tobacco control strategies to address the persistent challenge of second-hand smoke exposure. It highlights the need for targeted interventions to protect vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, from the health risks associated with second-hand smoke.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 6 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

6 reports

IOL (Independent Online) logoIOL (Independent Online)Party-alignedCenterFactual 95Objective 909/8/2026
Second-hand smoke linked to 1.7 million deaths globally, study finds

A study published in The Lancet reports that over 2.7 billion people, including 767 million children, were exposed to second-hand smoke globally in 2023, contributing to nearly 1.7 million deaths. The research highlights that second-hand smoke is a recognized global health risk with no safe level of exposure. It notes that exposure leads to serious conditions like ischemic heart disease and causes 5.2 million respiratory tract infections in children annually. The study emphasizes that while smoking rates have declined since 1990, exposure levels remain high due to population growth and increased exposure in Africa and the Middle East. Women are disproportionately affected, especially in regions with low smoking prevalence among women. The report calls for stronger tobacco control measures in public spaces and homes to protect vulnerable groups.

Bias read (Center): The article presents findings from a scientific study without overtly promoting any political agenda. While it discusses public health policies and calls for government action, it does not take a clear ideological stance. The framing remains objective, focusing on data and expert conclusions rather

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reflects the study's findings, including the number of people exposed and deaths attributed to passive smoking. It matches the cross-source consensus on the data and methodology used.

Why objectivity (90): The tone is straightforward and factual, with no emotional language. While it begins with a brief mention of notices in Tokyo, it quickly transitions to the study's findings without distraction.

Hurriyet Daily News logoHurriyet Daily NewsParty-alignedCenterFactual 95Objective 909/8/2026
Second-hand smoke causes 1.7 mln deaths globally: Study

A study published in The Lancet estimates that over 2.7 billion people, including 767 million children, were exposed to second-hand smoke globally in 2023, contributing to nearly 1.7 million deaths. The research highlights that second-hand smoke is a significant health risk, with no safe level of exposure. It notes that exposure leads to premature deaths, disabilities, and illnesses, particularly ischemic heart disease. Children are especially vulnerable, with 5.2 million respiratory tract infections linked to second-hand smoke exposure. The study emphasizes that sidestream smoke, which is unfiltered and more concentrated in harmful substances, poses a greater risk to non-smokers.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a scientific study on the health risks of second-hand smoke without overtly promoting any political agenda. While the issue of tobacco regulation and public health policies could be considered politically charged, the article focuses on presenting factual findings from a medical

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports the study findings from The Lancet, citing specific numbers such as 1.7 million deaths and 2.7 billion people exposed to second-hand smoke. It also provides context about the methodology used in the research, including data from PubMed and population surveys. The only

Why objectivity (90): The article presents the information in a largely neutral manner, using objective language to describe the study’s conclusions. It avoids taking a stance beyond reporting the facts and includes direct quotes from the study itself. However, the inclusion of a photo caption referencing Tokyo in 2026 m

Kurier logoKurierParty-alignedCenterFactual 95Objective 909/8/2026
Passive smoking: nearly 1.7 million deaths by 2023

A new study published in The Lancet reveals that passive smoking caused nearly 1.7 million deaths among non-smokers worldwide in 2023. The research, based on data from 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2023, indicates that over 2.7 billion people were exposed to secondhand smoke, including 767 million children under the age of 15. The study highlights that heart muscle circulation issues were the most common cause of death linked to passive smoking, while children experienced around 5.2 million respiratory infections due to exposure. Despite a decline in the proportion of smokers globally since 1990, the total number of people exposed to tobacco smoke has remained stable due to population growth, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. Women are disproportionately affected by passive smoking, especially in regions where few women smoke themselves. The study calls for stronger nonsmoking protection laws to safeguard both public and private spaces.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual findings from a scientific study without taking a political stance or showing bias toward any particular group or ideology. It focuses on health impacts and does not involve political decisions, policies, or figures.

Why factuality (95): The article accurately cites the same study from The Lancet and provides consistent statistics on the number of people affected and deaths attributed to passive smoking. It references data from 204 countries and the NIH database, matching the cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (90): The language is objective, focusing on the study findings without overt bias. However, phrases like 'vermeidbare Todesursache' (preventable cause of death) carry some moral weight, which is typical in health journalism.

Kleine Zeitung logoKleine ZeitungParty-alignedCenterFactual 95Objective 909/8/2026
Nearly 1.7 million deaths in one year from secondhand smoke

A new study published in The Lancet reveals that passive smoking caused nearly 1.7 million deaths among non-smokers worldwide in 2023. The research, based on data from 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2023, indicates that over 2.7 billion people were exposed to secondhand smoke, including 767 million children under the age of 15. The study highlights that passive smoking contributes significantly to premature deaths, particularly due to cardiovascular issues, and results in millions of respiratory infections in children. While global smoking rates have declined since 1990, the number of people exposed to secondhand smoke has remained stable due to population growth, especially in Africa and the Middle East. Women are disproportionately affected by passive smoking, yet this risk factor is often overlooked in health assessments. The study calls for stronger nonsmoking protection laws to safeguard women and children in both public and private spaces.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual findings from a scientific study without taking a political stance. It focuses on health impacts and does not involve political figures, policies, or ideological debates. The content remains neutral and objective, emphasizing statistical data and expert conclusions.

Why factuality (95): The English version of the article mirrors the French original, providing consistent data on the number of deaths and exposures. It references the same study and methodology, aligning with the cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (90): The tone is neutral and factual, avoiding emotionally charged language. It presents the study's findings without taking sides, maintaining balance.

Le Temps logoLe TempsIndependent🔒CenterFactual 95Objective 909/7/2026
Passive smoking was responsible for 1.7 million deaths worldwide in 2023, according to a large study.

A large study published in The Lancet estimates that passive smoking caused 1.66 million premature deaths worldwide in 2023, with approximately 2.7 billion people exposed globally. The research analyzed data from 2010 to 2025, focusing on health impacts across 204 countries and territories, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic diseases. While global tobacco prevalence has decreased by 22% since 1990, the number of people exposed to secondhand smoke remains stable, with significant increases observed in Africa, North Africa, and the Middle East. Children under 15 years old account for 767 million of those exposed, with 5.16 million respiratory infections linked to passive smoking in children alone.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a scientific study on the health impacts of passive smoking without overtly endorsing or opposing specific policies. It provides balanced statistical data and highlights both the scale of the problem and the lack of progress in reducing exposure despite declining tobacco use. No

Why factuality (95): The article reports figures from a study published in The Lancet, citing data from PubMed and population surveys. It accurately reflects the cross-source consensus that passive smoking caused 1.66 million premature deaths in 2023, affecting 2.7 billion people, including 767 million children. The num

Why objectivity (90): The tone is informative and neutral, presenting facts without emotional language. However, it mentions that 'tabagisme passif a été responsable de 1,7 million de décès', which slightly emphasizes the severity, but this is common in public health reporting.

France 24 (English) logoFrance 24 (English)State / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 909/7/2026
Nearly 1.7 million deaths linked to second-hand smoke in 2023, study finds

A study published in The Lancet estimates that nearly 1.7 million deaths worldwide in 2023 were linked to exposure to second-hand smoke, affecting over 2.7 billion people, including 767 million children under 14 years old. The research highlights that second-hand smoke exposure contributes significantly to diseases such as ischemic heart disease and respiratory tract infections in children. It notes that while global smoking rates have declined since 1990, the number of people exposed to second-hand smoke has remained stable due to population growth and increasing exposure in regions like Africa and the Middle East. Women are particularly vulnerable, especially in areas where their smoking rates are low, yet second-hand smoke is often overlooked as a major health risk for them. The study urges governments to enforce stricter tobacco control measures in public spaces and homes to protect vulnerable populations.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data from a scientific study without overtly favoring any political stance. It focuses on health risks associated with second-hand smoke and calls for public health measures, which are neutral in terms of political ideology.

Why factuality (95): The article consistently reports the same statistics as other sources, referencing the same study and methodology. It includes details on child exposure and health impacts, aligning with the cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (90): The writing is neutral and factual, with no apparent bias. It presents the study's conclusions without editorializing, keeping the focus on the data.

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