In 2004, Ireland became the first country in the world to ban smoking in all workplaces. Since then, countries around the world have decided to follow suit in deciding to go smoke-free. Several economic, scientific, and political factors are behind this trend, including a growing awareness of the carcinogenic and other health risks of secondhand smoke, and evidence that workplace bans could be enforced without economically burdening the hospitality industry. As more developed countries pursue bans, the tobacco industry is setting its sights on developing countries, where the rules governing commerce tend to be less stringent.

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