Smokingrelated

Smoking-related refers to health effects and diseases linked to tobacco smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke. It includes active smoking as well as exposure to secondhand smoke and, to some extent, thirdhand smoke residues on surfaces.

The health impact is broad. The most serious outcomes include lung cancer and other cancers (such as esophageal, throat, pancreatic, and bladder cancer), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischemic heart disease, and stroke. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals, including carcinogens and irritants, that contribute to inflammation, tissue damage, and systemic illness. Smoking can worsen respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis and hamper immune function and wound healing. During pregnancy, maternal smoking is associated with fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, stillbirth, and congenital problems.

Secondhand smoke increases disease risk in non-smokers, including cardiovascular disease and lung cancer, and children exposed to tobacco smoke are at higher risk for sudden infant death syndrome, respiratory infections, and asthma symptoms. Thirdhand smoke, the residue that lingers on surfaces, can also contribute to exposure, particularly in indoor environments.

Prevention and cessation efforts include increased taxes and pricing, smoke-free laws, health warnings, advertising restrictions, and public education. Access to cessation support, including counseling and pharmacotherapy, improves quit rates. Global patterns show declines in smoking in many high-income countries but persistent or rising prevalence in several regions, with substantial disparities by socioeconomic status.

Ongoing research examines the health risks of alternative nicotine products and strategies for reducing smoking-related harm while balancing public health goals.