India's Passive Smoking Crisis: Deaths Surge 50% Since 1990, Lancet Finds

India's Passive Smoking Crisis: Deaths Surge 50% Since 1990, Lancet Finds. Second-hand smoke deaths in India rose nearly 50% since 1990, with 325,600 deaths and 444 million people exposed in 2023. , Health, Times Now ... India's Passive Smoking Deaths Surge 50% Since 1990 Second-hand smoke is becoming a major public health concern in India, with deaths linked to passive smoking rising by nearly 50 per cent over three decades, according Earlier report (2026-09-09 03:04): Second-hand smoke deaths in India rose nearly 50% since 1990, with 325,600 deaths and 444 million people exposed in 2023. Health concerns are growing as the number of Indians exposed to second-hand smoke increased from approximately 375 million in 1990 to 444 million in 2023, representing an 18.4 per cent rise in absolute numbers. The health impact is substantial, with deaths among women increasing from 113,400 in 1990 to 156,900 in 2023, and deaths among men rising from 104,300 to 168,700. Second-hand smoke exposure was linked to serious health conditions such as ischaemic heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, asthma and lower respiratory infections. Children are particularly vulnerable due to developing lungs and immune systems. Doctors emphasize the need for protection from tobacco smoke exposure, particularly among children and women. The impact extends beyond deaths, with an estimated 9.28 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) lost in India in 2023. Globally, approximately 2.71 billion people were exposed to second-hand smoke, resulting in 1.66 million deaths and 44.8 million DALYs. China, India and Indonesia together accounted for nearly half of the world's exposed population, highlighting the scale of the passive-smoking problem across Asia.