Air pollution in northern China is slashing over three years off the lifespans of locals, according to the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC). The study found that air quality has dropped by more than a third since 2010, and will continue to do so for another five years. 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 lifespans of locals, 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-run sustained exposure”, said Michael Greenstone, EPIC 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.