A worldwide study of Irish bars since the smoking ban was introduced in 2004 shows pubs in the Republic have 91 per cent lower pollution rates than those in juristictions where smoking is permitted.
The Harvard University study of air pollution levels from secondhand smoke was conducted in 128 "Irish pubs" in 15 countries in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia.
Global research has highlighted the benefits of smoking bans
Dr Patrick Doorley of the HSE said the figures justify Ireland's smoking showing the health benefits to the public and should encourage other countries to follow suit.
A ban in the UK is being rolled out this year and next, with Northern Ireland due to implement a ban in 2007. HSPH Professor Gregory N Connolly, who led the research team said there are no safe limits to second-hand smoke, adding that non-smoking areas in indoor spaces is pointless.
"While people are celebrating St. Patrick's Day across the globe, some will celebrate in healthy environments and others in not-so-healthy environments. It's time we made second hand smoke global history," Prof Campbell said.
Testing sites included 41 smoke-free pubs in Ireland, the US and Canada and 87 pubs in Armenia, Australia, Belgium, China, Germany, Greece, France, Lebanon, Northern Ireland, Poland, Romania, US and England, where smoking is permitted.
Bars where smoking was allowed were on average 13 times more polluted than those in Galway, Dublin, Cork and Ennis. Professor Luke Clancy, director general of the Research Institute for a Tobacco Free Society the results of today's study supported previous Irish findings.
"The success of the iconic 'Irish Pub' brand is grounded in its authenticity. The challenge now to Irish Pubs throughout the world on St Patrick's Day is to remain faithful to the reality of pubs in Ireland and become smoke-free," Prof Clancy said.
The study was carried out by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and Roswell Park Cancer Institute in conjunction with the Office of Tobacco Control, the Research Institute for a Tobacco Free Society and the Health Service Executive (HSE) Western division.
It is estimated that passive smoking is responsible for 3,000 lung cancer deaths in the US and more than 25,000 deaths from heart disease annually. It is considered responsible for incidences of other illness such as respiratory infections, asthma, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
The study 'How Smoke-free Laws Improve Air Quality: A Global Study of Irish Pubs' will be presented at a live webcast featuring Irish health authorities and US researchers on Thursday, March 16 at 5.30pm at the following web address: