Thailand is facing a significant issue when it comes to the dangers of secondhand smoke, particularly for women and children. According to Dr. Roengrudee Patanavanish from Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine, the country ranks fifth globally in terms of female victims of secondhand smoke. The risk of developing breast cancer for these individuals is 1.24 times higher than those who live in smoke-free environments. It is reported that 70% of Thailand’s 34 million non-smoking population is affected by secondhand smoke.
The statistics are alarming, with a survey conducted in 2019 revealing that an average of 20,688 Thai individuals die each year from diseases related to secondhand smoke. Dr. Roengrudee highlighted the plight of Thai females aged 15-49, noting that they are among the highest in the world to be exposed to secondhand smoke. In fact, 68% of them experience harmful pollution within their own homes.
The situation is dire, especially considering the findings published in the British Journal of Cancer 2024, which suggest that secondhand smokers have a significantly higher chance of developing breast cancer compared to those in tobacco-free environments. Breast cancer is a leading cause of death among Thai women, claiming the lives of 4,800 individuals annually, equating to 13 women per day. It is also the most common cancer among women in the country, with 18,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
Dr. Suwanna Ruangkanchasetr from the Tobacco Control Research and Knowledge Management Centre raised concerns about the impact of secondhand smoke on children. Shockingly, a survey revealed that 55% of Thai children aged 1-5 are exposed to smoking in their environment. As a result, these children face a four times higher risk of developing lower-respiratory diseases compared to those in smoke-free settings.
These revelations emphasize the urgent need for greater awareness and action to address the dangers of secondhand smoke in Thailand. Public health campaigns, stricter tobacco control measures, and initiatives to promote smoke-free environments are essential steps in safeguarding the well-being of the population, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children. It is imperative that stakeholders, policymakers, and communities work together to tackle this pressing public health issue and create a healthier, smoke-free future for all Thai citizens.
