[Passive smoking and respiratory health].

In Switzerland, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is widespread and affects 25% of the never smokers. The risk of having lung carcinoma is increased by 23% for never smokers who report exposure to ETS, and women are particularly at risk. Epidemiological surveys diverge on the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma in adults, but chronic respiratory symptoms are associated with ETS. In children, however, there is increased incidence of asthma when the mother (+36%) or both parents (+50%) are smokers. All-cause mortality (+ 15%) and disease-specific mortality for lung cancer (+65% to + 79%) are increased among ETS exposed never-smokers.