The team examined 77 studies from populations of 21 countries around the world into this updated Cochrane Review, including the US, UK, Canada and Spain.

The previous Cochrane review examined how smoking legislation had reduced smoke in public places, these new included studies looked at more robust evidence into the effects of passive smoking, and the associated health risks including heart disease.  

Researchers found that of the 44 observational studies which specifically assessed cardiovascular disease, 33 of these studies reported evidence of a significant reduction in heart disease following the introduction of these bans. Researchers also found that the greatest reduction in admissions for heart disease following smoking legislation were identified in populations of non-smokers.

According to Graham Love, Chief Executive at the Health Research Board,

'Given that Ireland led the way when it introduced the first tobacco ban, it seems fitting that Irish health researchers are also providing such compelling evidence on the global stage. Research and evidence are vital to inform policy in relation to public health measures'.

The HRB will announce it's 2016 schedule of Cochrane Training Courses in the next few weeks.

Further information on the findings from this Cochrane review can be found in the attached press release below from Cochrane.org. And the research paper is available at the link below.