The research, commissioned by Global Action Plan and Hertfordshire County Council, finds that air pollution from domestic combustion contributes to nearly 2,500 deaths each year in the UK.

The report, produced by air quality and economic experts at environmental consultancy Ricardo, also suggests that air pollution from burning in the home contributes to new cases of a range of serious health conditions, including an average of 3,741 cases of diabetes and 1,493 cases of asthma in the UK each year.

Larissa Lockwood, director of policy & campaigns at Global Action Plan, said: ‘It's an uncomfortable fact, but the health burden of wood burning on the British public is simply too big to ignore. Existing measures to curb wood-burning emissions are not tackling the burning problem at hand.

'The UK Government must take action to ensure everyone can access cleaner, greener and more affordable heating – including ensuring homes are properly insulated – as well as strengthening powers to allow local authorities to tackle air pollution, and providing clear guidance for the public on the health harms of burning wood and other solid fuels in our homes.'