Health experts in India are advocating for the establishment of entirely smoke-free public spaces to safeguard individuals from the dangers of second-hand smoke. They assert that approximately 3.25 lakh deaths in the country each year are linked to exposure to passive smoking. This alarming figure has prompted calls for enhanced protections for non-smokers who are subjected to tobacco smoke in various environments.

Dr. V.K. Paul, a former member of NITI Aayog, emphasised that although progress has been made in reducing second-hand smoke exposure, the scale of the problem remains significant. He referenced a recent Global Burden of Disease study published in The Lancet Public Health, highlighting that the percentage of the Indian population exposed to second-hand smoke has decreased from 43 per cent in 1990 to 31 per cent today. However, due to population growth, the absolute number of individuals affected remains high.

According to Dr. Paul, the burden of second-hand smoke includes approximately 1.5 lakh deaths among women and roughly 1.75 lakh among men. He reiterated the need for a comprehensive transition towards 100% smoke-free public spaces, asserting that this is essential for public health and safety.

Discussion on Second-Hand Smoke at a Recent Webinar

A recent webinar organised by Tobacco Free India on October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, focused on strengthening protections against second-hand smoke. This event formed part of a larger dialogue surrounding public health risks associated with tobacco usage, marking the 18th anniversary since India’s smoke-free public places regulations were enacted. The discussion was moderated by health communicator Mukesh Kejriwal.

Dr. Uma Kumar, Head of Rheumatology at AIIMS, reinforced the need to protect non-smokers, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children, who may have limited ability to avoid exposure to tobacco smoke. She referred to findings from the Lancet study, indicating that approximately 444 million Indians were exposed to second-hand smoke in 2023, with 325,600 deaths linked to this exposure. These numbers account for a variety of settings, including homes and workplaces.

Dr. V.M. Katoch, former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research, emphasised the wide-ranging health implications of passive smoking. He pointed out that its effects extend beyond respiratory issues and affect multiple organs in the body. Dr. Katoch stated that the focus should not only be on public spaces but also on households, where children and other non-smokers are frequently vulnerable to smoke exposure.

Call to Action Against Tobacco Use

Dr. K.K. Talwar, a noted cardiologist and Padma Bhushan awardee, described the effects of passive smoking as equivalent to those of active smoking. He highlighted that existing anti-tobacco measures, such as taxation and health warnings on products, have not fully shielded non-smokers from health risks posed by second-hand smoke. According to him, the call for entirely smoke-free public places is vital to minimise these health threats.

Dr. Paul added that the overarching objective should extend beyond just mitigating second-hand smoke exposure, aiming instead for a tobacco-free society. He underscored the importance of preventing tobacco addiction, particularly among young people, by making tobacco products less accessible around educational institutions.

Dr. Kumar echoed this sentiment, stating that India should reconsider its reliance on designated smoking zones and take firm steps towards creating entirely smoke-free environments. The health of women and children, often involuntarily affected by tobacco smoke, is particularly at stake as discussions on tobacco control intensify.

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