International journal of epidemiology
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Evidence on respiratory symptoms due to smoking and passive smoking in children is mainly derived from studies in Western countries. Evidence from the East was required to support stronger tobacco control policy in Asia. This study aimed to analyse the relationship between respiratory symptoms and smoking status in junior secondary students and between respiratory symptoms and family smoking in never-smoking students. ⋯ This study provides strong evidence that both active and passive smoking can cause respiratory ill health in Chinese children in Hong Kong. Urgent measures are needed to protect children from the health hazards of active and passive smoking in Asia.