World No Tobacco Day, observed on May 31st, raises awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and its impact on health. This includes the often overlooked threat of secondhand smoke, also known as passive smoking. Inhaling this invisible cloud of chemicals from someone else`s cigarette can significantly increase your risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a serious lung condition. “Passive smoking is a significant risk factor for the development and progression of COPD, exerting harmful effects on the respiratory system through inflammation, airway obstruction, and oxidative stress.

Epidemiological evidence supports a clear association between passive smoking and COPD, with vulnerable populations at increased risk of adverse outcomes,” shares Dr. Suhas H S, consultant pulmonologist at Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru. On World No Tobacco Day, he delves into the impact of passive smoking on our lung health, and shares preventive measures.