Tobacco smoking accounted for about 5·1 million deaths globally in 2004 and for 18% of deaths in high-income countries.16 Large GWAS of smoking behaviour17–19 have identified up to eight associated loci; the strongest association reported is at the 15q25 locus.17–19 Further insight into the genetic factors affecting lung function, smoking behaviour, and COPD could lead to new approaches for smoking cessation and prevention and treatment of COPD.
