Auswirkungen des Aktiv- und Passiv-Rauchens auf Morbidität und Mortalität – eine aktuelle Übersicht –

摘要

Smoking is the most important single cause for cardiovascular and pulmonary morbidity and premature death. 60–75 % of myocardial infarctions are prevented by non smoking. A single cigarette shortens life expectancy by 28 min and each year the number of death from smoking is 15 times higher than the number of traffic casualties. 18 % of all death in the US is attributed to smoking. Passive smoking contributes substantially to cardiovascular and pulmonary disease particularly in childhood to respiratory infections, otitis media and the sudden infant death syndrome. Experience in many European countries has demonstrated that a stronger legislation protecting non-smokers from passive smoking is well received by the overwhelming majority of the population and effective in decreasing cardiovascular and pulmonary morbidity. A strong legislation protecting non-smokers from passive smoking is therefore of benefit for the population and likely to diminish expenses within the health care system.