Wood-burning appliances used in homes are linked to 2,500 early deaths a year in the UK, a recent study found, as well as 3,700 cases of diabetes and 1,500 cases of asthma.

The Government's new plans would require stoves and wood sold for burning to carry labels explaining the pollution they produce and the impact on people's health.

Another proposal would see the fine for fuel suppliers selling damp wood – which emits more smoke than dry wood – increase from £300 to £2,000.

Air quality minister Emma Hardy said: ‘Dirty air robs people of their health and costs our NHS millions each year to treat lung conditions and asthma.

‘We are determined to clean up our air.

‘By limiting emission levels and introducing new labels as outlined in our consultation, families will be able to make better, healthier choices when heating their homes.'

Domestic wood burning is one of the UK's largest sources of air pollution, contributing a fifth of fine particles, almost equal to road transport.