A call for laws to protect non-smokers has been made by ASH Ireland following a court decision in Australia where a passive smoker who contracted throat cancer was awarded damages.
It is believed to be the first time that damages have been awarded for cancer caused by passive smoking.
A Supreme Court jury in New South Wales awarded Ms Marlene Sharp (63) more than 450,000 Australian dollars in damages. She claimed her cancer was caused by years of breathing other people's smoke while working at a club from 1985 to 1995. The court decided the club had been negligent.
ASH Ireland in a statement said it believed the case would have huge implications for employers generally, especially those involved in pub, restaurant, travel and entertainment areas.
Ms Sharp first noticed a lump in her neck in May 1995. It was diagnosed as malignant cancer of the larynx and she underwent surgery and radiotherapy. She was now in remission, the court was told.