The WHO released a press release with preliminary finds to the media. After examining the preliminary study, the Telegraph, the Guardian and other newspapers printed articles with headlines like, "Passive Smoke Does't cause cancer -Official"
This caused the WHO to issue another press release to say that there was a link between Second Hand Smoke and lung cancer.
The study found that there was an estimated 16% increased risk of lung cancer among non-smoking spouses of smokers. For workplace exposure the estimated increase in risk was 17%. However, due to small sample size, neither increased risk was statistically significant. Although, the study points towards a decreasing risk after cessation of exposure.
This pro smokers rights site shows an analysis of the WHO study. This study did show the increased RR of 16% and 17%, but it also showed a decreased RR for children.
Results: ETS Exposure during childhood was not associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (odds ratio [OR] for ever exposure = 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.64-0.96).
If the WHO wants to use this study to say, "Passive Smoke Does Cause Lung Cancer - Don't Let Them Fool You," shouldn't they also mention it's preventative effect on children? (i.e. The press release should have said, "Passive Smoke Does Cause Lung Cancer, Unless You Are a Child?"
