[Respiratory diseases related to passive smoking]

Passive smoking, measured in practice by using specific biomarkers, is a well known factor of morbidity and mortality. The main victims are children, often starting from conception, but adults are not spared. Many respiratory diseases are caused and/or worsened by passive smoking and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure can have serious health consequences that reduce life expectancy (sudden infant death, respiratory infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and lung cancer). Better knowledge of these risks has favourably influenced the legislation banning smoking in enclosed public places in France and in other countries. If one of the main objectives of this measure is to protect non-smokers as well as smokers, its rigorous application fits directly within the goals of prevention and treatment of tobacco dependency.