"THE IMPACT OF PM2.5 POLLUTION ON LIFE EXPECTANCY IN CHINA: EXPLORING THE ROLES OF URBANIZATION AND HEALTHCARE SPENDING"
Keywords:
Impact of PM2.5 Pollution on Life Expectancy in China PM2.5 are tiny particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, allowing them to pass through the respiratory system, reach the lungs, and enter the bloodstreamAbstract
This study investigates the impact of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on life
expectancy across 31 Chinese provinces from 2018 to 2022, using urbanization and
healthcare expenditure as control variables. Employing panel data regression with
ordinary least squares (OLS), the analysis reveals that higher PM2.5 levels are
significantly associated with lower life expectancy. Specifically, a 1 µg/m³ increase in
PM2.5 concentration leads to a 0.0342-year decrease in life expectancy. Urbanization
shows a positive and significant effect, with urban provinces experiencing an average
of 3.52 additional years in life expectancy compared to rural areas. In contrast,
healthcare expenditure has a statistically insignificant effect in the short run. The model
explains 39.5% of the variation in life expectancy, underscoring the critical role of air
quality and urban development in shaping public health outcomes.
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