Zhou Q, Zhang S, Wang Q, et al. - Utilizing data from the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project, researchers conducted this prospective, population‐based study to ascertain if preconception paternal smoking has any adverse effects on the offspring. Through logistic regression, the effect of questionnaire‐based paternal smoking behaviour during preconception and pregnancy was evaluated. They also conducted a 1:1 case–control (birth defects versus normal pregnancy) analysis, matched for maternal province, folic acid supplementation and paternal alcohol consumption. A total of 566,439 couples were registered with full details on preconception paternal smoking behaviour and pregnancy outcomes. Findings suggested that preconception paternal smoking might be linked to congenital heart diseases, limb abnormalities and neural tube defects in the offspring. This risk can be minimized by changes in smoking behaviour.