China has released its first report on the danger of smoking, as well as an explanation of the country's tobacco control measures. [File photo]

The report deals with the health hazards of smoking, pointing out that the global tobacco epidemic kills nearly 6 million people each year. More than 600-thousand of those deaths are due to second-hand smoke. It also fears that without strong action, this number will jump to 8 million by 2030. Of course, more than 80 percent will live in low-and middle-income countries.

In China, according to the report, the number of smoking-related deaths each year has exceeded 1 million. The report also suggests that second-hand smoke has become an increasing concern in China's tobacco control efforts, as it kills around 100-thousand people each year. It shows that nearly 750 million Chinese people are now exposed to second-hand smoke. However, the report says, there are still two thirds of the Chinese population who are unaware of its dangers, and the only way to avoid second-hand smoke is imposing an comprehensive smoking ban in indoor spaces.

(CNTV May 31, 2012)