Long-term passive smoking significantly raises COPD risk in women, as shown in a study of 2,360 women aged ≥40. 

**Key Findings:**
- Those exposed to secondhand smoke had reduced lung function: FEV₁ (2.97 vs 3.25 L), FEV₁% predicted (78.2% vs 81.5%), FEV₁/FVC (83.3% vs 87.2%), and MEF50% (62.8 vs 89.4 L/s). 
- They also showed higher rates of preserved ratio impaired spirometry (5.7% vs 2.9%), more frequent exacerbations, and elevated systemic inflammation. 

These findings highlight passive smoke as a serious, underestimated contributor to COPD in women, urging stronger preventive measures.

Source: Dovepress | [Read Full Story](https://www.dovepress.com/increased-incidence-of-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-in-women--peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-COPD)