Research Advance on Health Effects of Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Occupational Groups

Workplace is an important source of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. SHS exposure in workplaces has been causally related to many severe health effects on occupational populations, including lung cancer, other respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. The current report reviewed recent published studies on the negative health effects of occupational SHS exposure and the health benefits of smoke-free workplace legislation among occupational groups. The results showed that smoke-free le gislation was an effective strategy to reduce the exposure and the negative health effects such as the incidence rates of respiratory diseases and cardiovascular diseases attributed to SHS. With the implementation of smoke-free legislation in workplaces and public places in recent years, more attention has been focused on the reduction of occupational SHS exposure and the health benefits arising therefrom. However, studies about the adverse health effects of SHS on occupational groups are relatively rare in China, especially the health impact of the smoke-free legislation. To provide statistical support to the national smoke-free legislation, more studies are needed to focus on the health benefits of the smoke-free legislation among occupational groups.