Coal burning in China's north can shorten lives_美文

Coal burning in China's north can shorten lives

The researchers said the difference in life expectancies was due mainly to increased deaths caused by diseases related to air quality, such as heart disease, strokes, lung cancer and respiratory illnesses.

Their analysis estimated that every additional 100 milligrams of total suspended particulate matter per cubic meter in the atmosphere lowers life expectancy at birth by about three years.

Total suspended particulate matter includes large particles and PM 2.5 - particles with diameters of less than 2.5 micrometers - which are of great health concern because they can penetrate deep into the lungs. However, the researchers lacked the data to analyze those tiny particles separately.

"The real situation might be worse than the study showed, because PM 2.5 can be more harmful to health," Li added.

Gan Quan, senior project officer of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, said the study was necessary in helping authorities become aware of the impact of air pollution and to adjust policies.

"We need such research to give a clear link between air pollution and life expectancy," Gan said.

Li agreed, adding that the study wasn't meant as a comment on the coal-heating policy, but to let the results show that the Chinese government should make an effort to fight air pollution.

About the broadcaster:

Nelly Min is an editor at China Daily with more than 10 years of experience as a newspaper editor and photographer. She has worked at major newspapers in the U.S., including the Los Angeles Times and the Detroit Free Press. She is also fluent in Korean.