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| China free coal policy in the north 'cut lifespans' | |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| China's policy of giving free coal for heating to residents in the north has contributed to shaving 5.5 years off life expectancy there, a study says. | |
| It says air pollution from burning coal in the area north of the Huai River, with a population of some 500m people, was 55% higher than in the south. | It says air pollution from burning coal in the area north of the Huai River, with a population of some 500m people, was 55% higher than in the south. |
| The region also had higher rates of heart and lung disease as a result of the policy in force up to 1980. | The region also had higher rates of heart and lung disease as a result of the policy in force up to 1980. |
| The study was conducted by researchers from China, the US and Israel. | The study was conducted by researchers from China, the US and Israel. |
| 'Disastrous consequences' | 'Disastrous consequences' |
| They studied pollution and deaths in 90 cities in the north and south between 1981 and 2000. | They studied pollution and deaths in 90 cities in the north and south between 1981 and 2000. |
| They specifically looked at the increase in a type of pollution called total suspended particulates (TSPs) found in soot and smoke. | They specifically looked at the increase in a type of pollution called total suspended particulates (TSPs) found in soot and smoke. |
| The researches then analysed mortality statistics in 1991-2000 and found evidence of shorter life expectancy in the previously "free coal" areas. | The researches then analysed mortality statistics in 1991-2000 and found evidence of shorter life expectancy in the previously "free coal" areas. |
| "Life expectancies are about 5.5. years lower in the north owing to an increased incidence of cardio-respiratory mortality," said the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. | "Life expectancies are about 5.5. years lower in the north owing to an increased incidence of cardio-respiratory mortality," said the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. |
| "The analysis suggests that the Huai River policy, which had the laudable goal of providing indoor heat, had disastrous consequences for health." | "The analysis suggests that the Huai River policy, which had the laudable goal of providing indoor heat, had disastrous consequences for health." |
| The scientists argued that their findings may help other emerging economies - such as Brazil or India - to find better ways to combine a drive for economic growth and public health protection. | The scientists argued that their findings may help other emerging economies - such as Brazil or India - to find better ways to combine a drive for economic growth and public health protection. |
| The report's findings will increase pressure on the Chinese authorities to do more to tackle pollution, the BBC's Martin Patience in Beijing reports. | The report's findings will increase pressure on the Chinese authorities to do more to tackle pollution, the BBC's Martin Patience in Beijing reports. |
| Earlier this year, the government faced a public outcry after air pollution soared past levels considered hazardous by the World Health Organization, our correspondent says. | Earlier this year, the government faced a public outcry after air pollution soared past levels considered hazardous by the World Health Organization, our correspondent says. |