Chinese Policy of Handing Out Free Coal in the North Has Cut Lifespans

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.

The region also had higher rates of heart and lung disease as a result of the policy in force up to 1980.

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