Basic and Clinical Sciences (BCSE) Practice Exam

The significant outcome of exposure to tobacco smoke for passive smokers, reflected in the correct answer, is that it contributes to approximately 1 million deaths annually. This statistic highlights the serious health implications of secondhand smoke exposure, which can lead to a variety of serious health conditions, including heart disease, respiratory diseases, and cancer. Passive smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke, is particularly dangerous because it affects non-smokers, including children and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, who are particularly vulnerable to its harmful effects.

The other options, although related to smoking and its consequences, do not accurately represent the most significant outcome of passive smoke exposure. While addiction can be a risk factor for smokers themselves, passive smokers may not develop the same level of addiction since they are not directly inhaling smoke in the same manner as active smokers. The development of lung cancer is indeed a risk for passive smokers, but the overall data reflects a broader range of health impacts and mortality rates attributed to secondhand smoke exposure, culminating in the significant statistic of around 1 million deaths each year. Lastly, improved respiratory health is contrary to the known effects of tobacco smoke, which is harmful and detrimental to lung function and overall respiratory well-being.