AIR pollution is causing at least 40,000 deaths a year in the UK, according to new report produced with the help of Southampton University.

The report, from the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health highlights the less understood impact of indoor pollution as well as the dangers caused by vehicle fumes.

Sources of indoor air pollution include smoking, faulty boilers, gas cookers and heaters, as well as irritant chemicals from new furniture, air fresheners and household cleaning products.

House-dust mites, mould and dander from pets can also damage health, according to the research.

Outdoor pollution, much of it from vehicles, causes 40,000 deaths a year in the UK but the number linked to indoor pollution is not known.

The report found unborn and young children were particularly susceptible to air pollution.

It says: “The developing heart, lung, brain, hormone systems and immunity can all be harmed by pollution,” the report said.

“Research is beginning to point towards effects on growth, intelligence, asthma, and development of the brain and coordination.

"Harm to babies and children will have an impact that lasts far into the future.”

Prof Stephen Holgate, an asthma expert at Southampton University, is chairman of working party that produced the report.

He said: “When our patients are exposed to such a clear and avoidable cause of death, illness and disability, it is our duty to speak out.

“We now know that air pollution has a substantial impact on many chronic long-term conditions, increasing strokes and heart attacks in susceptible individuals.

"And now there is compelling evidence that air pollution is associated with new onset asthma in children and adults.”

Dr Andrew Goddard, at the Royal College of Physicians, added: “Taking action to tackle air pollution in the UK will reduce the pain and suffering for many people with long term chronic health conditions, not to mention lessening the long term demands on our NHS.”

The report says there is no “safe” level of exposure to air pollution.

It calls for a wide-ranging set of measures to tackle the problem, including tougher regulations to limit air pollution such as reliable testing of emissions from vehicles.