92% of children exposed to second-hand smoke in Bangladesh, study finds
The findings, published in the Nicotine and Tobacco Research Journal, provide evidence for extremely high levels of SHS exposure in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This widespread SHS exposure is likely to be due to the high prevalence of male smoking in Bangladesh, the study reports.
About 92% of children in Bangladesh are exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS), according to a recent study.
The research findings, published in the Nicotine and Tobacco Research Journal, highlight the widespread and unrestricted nature of smoking in Dhaka, read a press release issued by ARK Foundation.
The release said, according to the study, the high levels of SHS exposure is likely due to the prevalence of male smoking in Bangladesh.
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Currently, the country has 35.3% tobacco users and 18% smokers among adults. Although there are laws that prohibit smoking in public places, enforcement of the laws remains weak, it added.
Researchers conducted a survey involving 1,368 children aged 9-14 from 34 primary schools in Dhaka. They tested the children's saliva for cotinine, a marker of tobacco exposure, to measure SHS exposure.
The study found that children living with smokers or in homes where indoor smoking is allowed had higher levels of SHS exposure compared to those living with non-smokers.
Professor Kamran Siddiqi from the University of York, UK, and the chief investigator of the study, said, "It is important to advocate for smoke-free homes and cars to protect children from SHS exposure.
"However, enforcement of smoking bans in public places and transportation is equally crucial, especially in areas frequented by children, such as playgrounds, parks, and fairgrounds."
"It is essential to complement smoking restrictions with tobacco cessation advice and support in these settings," he added.
Professor Rumana Huque from the ARK Foundation, and a co-author of the paper, emphasised the urgency of addressing this issue. "These research findings are really alarming. If we cannot protect the children from SHS exposure, they will face increased risks of respiratory infections, associated deaths, lower academic performance, and a higher likelihood of taking up smoking later in life."
The research team also called for a comprehensive approach to safeguard children from SHS, including stricter smoking restrictions in households and better enforcement of smoking bans in public places, the release said.
