Passive smoking claim lost

London - A nurse who claimed she developed asthma after working with residents in a "smokers' corner" at an old people's home…

London - A nurse who claimed she developed asthma after working with residents in a "smokers' corner" at an old people's home lost her claim for damages yesterday.

The case, the first of its kind to come before a court in England and Wales, had been hailed as a landmark in a campaign to win legal recognition of the dangers of passive smoking. Ms Sylvia Sparrow, whose case was financed by the Royal College of Nursing, said she was very disappointed by the result but hoped she had "planted a seed" for others.