Air pollution in northern China is slashing over three years off the lives of people , according to the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago ( EPIC ) . Jason Lee/File Photo Researchers with the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) said average lifespans north of the Huai river, where China supplies mostly coal-fired winter heat, were 3.1 years lower than in the south, which is not covered by the state heating policy. “ We know on highly polluted days more people die and more people are sick , but what this study helps to isolate are the consequences of long - term sustained exposure ” , said Michael Greenstone , institute director . The report adds that if China were to comply with World Health Organization air quality standards , its residents may live 3.5 years longer on average .
Air pollution in northern China is slashing over three years off the lives of people , according to the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago ( EPIC ) . “ We know on highly polluted days more people die and more people are sick , but what this study helps to isolate are the consequences of long - term sustained exposure ” , said Michael Greenstone , institute director . The report adds that if China were to comply with World Health Organization air quality standards , its residents may live 3.5 years longer on average .