A domestic smoking report has revealed that second-hand smoke exposure has fallen significantly in China over the past five years, even if there was a growth of 15 million smokers.

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention report said that compared to 2010, second-hand smoking exposure data went down from 34.6 percent to 17.2 percent in elementary and high schools and from 54.9 percent to 38.1 percent in government offices.

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The same falling trend was also seen in public places, restaurants, workplaces, medical institutions and public transport vehicles.

The report also highlighted that the number of smokers in China has increased to 316 million, which is equivalent to 27.7 percent of the total population. Each smoker reportedly consumes an average of 15.2 cigarettes per day, which is one cigarette more than five years ago.

The head of the Chinese Center for Disease Control Wang Yu has said that comprehensive smoking control measures will be adopted to ensure that the situation does not get worse.

An increase in tobacco tax is suggested by The report urged authorities to increase taxes on tobacco and also recommended a national smoking ban as well as the prohibition of cigarette advertisements and promotion.

A total of 16 local cities in China have already passed laws controlling tobacco use, and many other cities are expected to follow suit. A draft regulation on smoking control in public venues was unveiled by the State Council in late 2014 to solicit public opinion.

China, the world's largest tobacco producer and consumer, see about 1.36 million smoking-related deaths annually. This is the primary reason the government is working hard to have the situation under control.

TagsSecond-Hand Smoking Drops In China, second hand smoking, Chinese Smoking Population Has Increased, Beijing Have Passed Their Own Tobacco Control Rules