Belgium could ban parents smoking in car

Belgium is considering imposing a ban on parents smoking in cars when children are present.

Federal health minister Maggie De Block has commissioned a feasibility study which will look at other EU countries that have already banned the practice - such as France, Ireland and Greece.

De Block said: "It is regrettable that adults smoke in confined spaces in the presence of children, who have no choice."

The report will look at how the ban could be enforced. Health ministry inspectors perform spot checks in restaurants and cafes, but they would need to work with police to have the authority to stop and check cars.

Anti-smoking groups are keen to see the issue of passive smoking in cars debated in parliament. Pierre Bizel, a spokesman for the Belgian national anti-smoking coalition, said: "In a confined space like a car, toxin levels are 40 times higher than outside and 27 times greater than in a house."

A 2013 study in the scientific publication Tobacco Control Journal found opening a window or turning on the air conditioning had no effect on the pollution levels inside the car. Passive smoking can lead to irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and an increased risk of asthma and respiratory infection.

A survey of 4,000 Belgians by the Foundation Against Cancer last year found 67% support the idea of banning smoking in cars altogether.