14 Nov 2024 • Exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) significantly increases the risk of lung cancer in never-smokers, with a pooled relative risk of 1.24, or a more than 20% higher likelihood of developing lung cancer compared to those not exposed.

This analysis, encompassing 97 studies, revealed that the risk is particularly elevated in specific settings such as the workplace (1.38) and the home (1.20).

Additionally, the risk of lung cancer increases with the duration, intensity, and cumulative exposure (pack-years) to SHS.

These findings provide definitive evidence of the harmful impact of second-hand smoke on lung cancer risk, highlighting the urgent need for stronger public health measures to protect non-smokers from SHS exposure.

Source: European Respiratory Review Read full story