Second-Hand Smoke in the MENA Region: A Growing Concern

By Islam Salah

Imagine sitting at your favorite cafe, sipping coffee, when a cloud of cigarette smoke wafts over from the next table. You don’t smoke, yet you find yourself inhaling the toxic fumes. 

It’s a scene all too common in the MENA region, where smoking remains a prevalent part of social culture. But what many don’t realize is that second-hand smoke, often dismissed as harmless, can be just as dangerous—if not more—than smoking itself.

Is it time to confront the overlooked dangers of second-hand smoke in our communities?

Smoking Prevalence and Cultural Context

Tobacco use remains widespread in the MENA region, with countries like Lebanon seeing smoking rates as high as 35.8%. 

Smoking is deeply woven into the social fabric and is often viewed as a cultural practice, particularly in social settings such as gatherings. The region’s unique social customs, where smoking is a common pastime, coupled with limited public health campaigns, contribute to persistently high rates. 

Second-Hand Smoke Exposure Across the MENA Region

In 2019, second-hand smoke exposure in MENA countries was disturbingly high. Rates ranged from 30% to 50%, with some countries, like the West Bank and Gaza, reaching over 50%. 

This widespread exposure often occurs in indoor spaces, including homes, cafes, and workplaces, where smoking is common. 

The dangers of second-hand smoke are well-documented, contributing to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer. With such high exposure rates, addressing second-hand smoke is crucial for improving public health in the region.

The Impact on Children

Children and youth in the MENA region are particularly vulnerable to the effects of smoking. The habit often begins at a young age, with some countries like Saudi Arabia seeing children as young as nine years old trying their first cigarette. 

Despite efforts to curb tobacco use, the normalization of smoking within social and family settings continues to expose young people to its harmful effects. This poses a serious challenge to future public health in the region.

Efforts and Challenges in Addressing the Issue

Efforts to tackle smoking-related health risks in the MENA region have gained momentum in recent years, with some countries implementing tobacco control measures, such as restrictions on advertising, public smoking bans, and health warnings. 

However, cultural acceptance of smoking, particularly in social settings, makes it difficult to shift public attitudes. Enforcement of smoke-free laws is often inconsistent, and underage smoking continues to rise in some areas. 

Plus, the popularity of alternatives like shisha and e-cigarettes complicates the fight against tobacco. 

A Smokescreen to Health

Second-hand smoke exposure is still a major health concern in the MENA region, especially for children and non-smokers. While efforts are underway to tackle the issue, cultural habits and inconsistent regulations make progress challenging. The only way to reduce the risks and protect future generations is through stronger laws and public awareness.

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