Active and passive tobacco smoking

Despite reduction in prevalence of active smoking since 1980, the absolute number of smokers has increased worldwide from 718 to 967 million in 2012. In Europe, the prevalence of smoking in 2012 ranged from 13% to 40%, with higher values in south and east. Trends in smoking-related mortality and morbidity follow changes in prevalence; control of smoking prevents premature death and smoking cessation is associated with longer life. Research on the relationship between smoking and health is still in progress: 10 new diseases causally linked to active smoking were introduced in the 2014 US Surgeon General’s Report, along with enhanced causality for TB and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. There is no safe level of exposure to passive smoking. Authoritative health organisations agree that passive smoking exposure leads to serious and fatal diseases, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and cancers. Children, including fetuses and newborns, can develop health effects from exposure. About 35% of nonsmokers are exposed worldwide to passive smoking at home, at work and in public places.