Litigation on behalf of victims of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. The experience from the USA.
BACKGROUND
For a quarter of a century, lawsuits have been filed on behalf of individuals who have been harmed by exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).


METHODS
A review of hundreds of legal cases where exposure to ETS was the basis for the lawsuit was undertaken. The history of ETS-based lawsuits was categorised and analysed.


RESULTS
While ETS-based lawsuits have arisen in a variety of divergent settings, there have been an increasing number of instances in which individuals have achieved relief from exposure to ETS and/or monetary compensation for having been so exposed. Such successful outcomes make it easier for others to achieve similar results through litigation.


CONCLUSIONS
Lawsuits will probably continue to be a viable remedy in assisting those being harmed by exposure to ETS, both-inside and outside the USA.
Sweda
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Tobacco Control Resource Center, Northeastern University School of Law, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D002648:Child; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D016365:Liability, Legal; D011330:Prisons / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012941:Social Responsibility; D019460:Tobacco Industry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014481:United States; D017132:Workplace / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence
D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution