Protecting Young Lives: A Systematic Review of the Impact of Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Legislative Measures on Children's Health.

Each year, a substantial number of global deaths are attributed to secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure, with children representing a significant proportion of these fatalities. This systematic review evaluates the effects of passive smoking, or SHS, on children's health outcomes, focusing on respiratory conditions, behavioral issues, cognitive impairment, growth retardation, and immune system effects. A comprehensive literature search was conducted from July 5 to July 18, 2024, across multiple databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Following the set inclusion and exclusion guidelines, 12 studies were chosen for the review, and their quality was measured using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The findings indicate a strong association between SHS exposure and adverse health outcomes in children, including increased rates of asthma, low birth weight, and behavioral problems. Additionally, smoke-free legislation appears to mitigate some of these harmful effects, though results vary across different regions and populations. The review underscores the urgent need for effective smoking cessation strategies and improved healthcare communication to protect children from the dangers of passive smoking.