Global Study Reveals Children Lose Over 8 Million Days of Healthy Life Due to Secondhand Smoke

Recent research presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress highlights the significant health impact of secondhand smoke on children worldwide. The study estimates that children globally lose approximately 8.45 million healthy life days each year because of exposure to passive smoking. Children living in low socioeconomic regions bear the brunt of this burden, experiencing much higher rates of respiratory illnesses linked to secondhand smoke.

The research, led by Dr. Siyu Dai from Hangzhou Normal University and in collaboration with colleagues, analyzed data from the extensive Global Burden of Disease Study. This analysis focused on the years lost due to diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, tuberculosis, and other chest infections caused by exposure to secondhand smoke in children under 14.

The concept of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) was used to measure the burden, with one DALY representing one year of healthy life lost. In 2021 alone, secondhand smoke contributed to nearly 3.79 million DALYs from respiratory infections, 0.80 million from ear infections, and 3.86 million from chest infections and tuberculosis among children.

Findings also demonstrate that children in lower socio-economic regions are disproportionately affected, with DALY rates far exceeding those in high socio-demographic index areas. This disparity is attributed to lower awareness about smoking dangers, overcrowded living conditions, and weaker tobacco control policies in poorer regions.

Dr. Dai emphasized that exposure to secondhand smoke remains a preventable health risk, especially for developing children who are more vulnerable. The study underscores the urgent need for strengthened tobacco control measures and public education to reduce children's exposure and improve respiratory health worldwide.

Experts like Dr. Filippos Filippidis from Imperial College London stress the importance of comprehensive laws to limit smoking in environments where children are present. Reducing smoking across all age groups could significantly diminish the impact of secondhand smoke on future generations.

This pivotal research highlights the global health challenge posed by secondhand smoke and calls for concerted efforts to protect children from avoidable health risks related to passive smoking.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-children-million-days-healthy-life.html