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Original Article
- Association between secondhand smoke exposure and incidence of metabolic syndrome: analyses of Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) data
- Seungmi Choi, Sanghyuk Bae
- Epidemiol Health. 2025;47:e2025041. Published online July 29, 2025
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2025041
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- 1 Web of Science
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Abstract
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AbstractOBJECTIVES
Secondhand smoke exposure remains a major public health concern and is linked to various chronic diseases, including metabolic syndrome (MetS). Although smoking rates have declined, exposure to secondhand smoke remains common and poses significant health risks to non-smokers. This study investigated the association between secondhand smoke exposure and the incidence of MetS using longitudinal data from a community-based cohort in Korea.METHODSWe utilized data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, collected biennially between 2001 and 2020. Of 10,030 adults aged 40-69 years, a total of 3,042 never-smokers without pre-existing MetS were included. Secondhand smoke exposure was assessed through self-reported questionnaires. Cox proportional hazards models were employed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for potential confounders.RESULTSDuring follow-up, 638 participants in the secondhand smoke exposure group developed MetS. Those exposed to secondhand smoke had a significantly higher risk of developing MetS compared to the non-exposed group (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.27). Among MetS components, secondhand smoke exposure was significantly associated with increased risks of hypertension (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.28) and hyperglycemia (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.37). Although home exposure was not significantly associated with MetS risk, workplace exposure to secondhand smoke demonstrated a dose-response relationship according to exposure frequency and duration.CONCLUSIONSOur findings suggest that secondhand smoke exposure may increase the risk of developing MetS. These results underscore the importance of strengthening regulations on secondhand smoke in public places and raising social awareness of its detrimental effects on non-smokers. -
SummaryKorean summary
40–69세 한국 성인 비흡연자 3,042명을 대상으로 한 지역사회 기반 코호트 연구에서, 간접흡연 노출은 대사증후군 발생 위험을 높이는 것으로 나타났다. 특히 고혈압과 고혈당 위험이 증가했으며, 직장 내 간접흡연 노출은 노출 빈도와 기간에 따른 용량-반응 관계를 보였다. 이러한 결과는 비흡연자를 보호하기 위한 간접흡연 규제 강화와 사회적 인식 제고의 필요성을 강조한다.Key Message
In a community-based Korean cohort of 3,042 never-smokers aged 40–69 years, secondhand smoke exposure was associated with a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Risks were particularly elevated for hypertension and hyperglycemia, and workplace exposure showed a dose-response relationship. These findings highlight the need for stronger regulations and public awareness to protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke. -
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
- The relationship between secondhand smoke exposure in Chinese children and adolescents and renal function and hyperuricemia: a cross-sectional study
Han Zhou, Jianxin Fu, Weiliang Liu, Changqing Liu, Yiya Liu, Meina Tian, Qianrang Zhu, Lianlong Yu, Weijie Dou
Frontiers in Pediatrics.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
- The relationship between secondhand smoke exposure in Chinese children and adolescents and renal function and hyperuricemia: a cross-sectional study
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