August 31, 2007 (Insidermedicine) Approximately two million non-smokers in China over age 50 are estimated to die due to second hand smoke, say experts in a report published in The Lancet.

This is what we know about the dangers of second-hand smoke:
•    Exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – or COPD - a term referring to chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which are characterized by restricted airflow that interferes with normal breathing
•    COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the US. In 2004, more than 11 million US adults were estimated to have COPD. However, more than twice that number have evidence of impaired lung function, indicating an under-diagnosis of COPD
•    Smoking is the main risk factor for COPD. Other risk factors of COPD include air pollution, second-hand smoke, history of childhood respiratory infections, and heredity

In a study to assess the dangers of second-hand smoke, researchers studied more than 20,000 men and women in China over age 50.

They found that exposure to high levels of second-hand smoke increased the risk of COPD by 48% - in a population in which 60% of adults have never smoked. Since there are few restrictions to prevent people from being exposed to high levels of passive smoke, it is estimated that more than two million people in China will die as a result.

This finding makes a strong case for banning smoking in public places, and to increase anti-smoking programs and policies to help smokers give up smoking.

If you are smoker you are not only hurting yourself but those around you. Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke greatly increases your and your loved one’s chances of developing and dying from heart problems, breathing problems, and lung cancer. Speak to your doctor about quitting – today.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.