Archive · 30 Sep 2025
Study: Secondhand Smoke Poses Serious Health Risks to Children
Imagine tiny lungs trying to breathe in smoky air.
That's what happens when kids are around secondhand smoke.
Studies show this smoke makes kids sick, causing breathing problems and other health issues.
Many children worldwide are exposed to this.
Even though things have slightly improved since 1990, more kids are still getting sick.
Experts say we need rules to make sure people don't smoke near kids, like smoking outside, or away from open windows and doors.
It is very important for people to understand the risks of SHS to help protect children's health.
Secondhand smoke (SHS) is a significant cause of illness and death in children globally.
Around half of the world's children are exposed to SHS.
Lower-income countries have a larger burden due to fewer smoke-free policies.
SHS increases the risk of respiratory illnesses, ear infections, and stunting.
Experts recommend smoke-free environments and raising public awareness to protect children.
- Who
- Children worldwide are impacted.
- What
- Secondhand smoke is a major contributor to disease burden in children.
- When
- Analysis done from 1990-2021.
- Where
- Globally, with lower-income regions disproportionately affected.
- Why
- Population growth, ageing, and uneven policies cause children to suffer from SHS.
- Study Publication
- Respiratory Research (2025)
- Global Exposure
- Around 50% of children exposed worldwide
- Main Issue
- Secondhand smoke (SHS) contributes to deaths and disabilities in children
- Link to Stunting
- SHS is linked with stunting in children
- Additional Risks
- LRIs, asthma exacerbations, ear infections, reduced lung function
- Deaths from LRIs in 2019
- 6.94% of deaths in children under 5 linked to SHS