The population in Northern China between 1990 and 2000
exceeded 500 million. Consequently, our results imply that the
Huai River policy led to a staggering loss of over 2.5 billion life
years. Furthermore, data from 2003 to 2008 indicate that PM10
(particulate matter smaller than 10 μm) concentrations are 22.9
μg/m3 higher (95% CI: 13.5, 23.3) or 26% higher north of the Huai
River, suggesting that residents of the North continue to have
shortened lifespans. The TSP concentrations that prevailed during
the study period greatly exceed the current concentrations in developed
countries but are not atypical for many cities in developing
countries today, such as India and China. These results may help
explain why China’s explosive economic growth has led to relatively
anemic growth in life expectancy. More broadly, this paper’s
results may be useful in forming policy as developing countries
search for the optimal balance between economic growth and
environmental quality (28).