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Aging in Haze

Author

Listed:
  • Zhao, Runhao
  • Yuan, Ye
  • Liu, Chong
  • Yi, Junjian

Abstract

We study how the environment shapes aging. Leveraging a natural experiment in China where coal-powered winter heating caused persistently higher levels of particulate matters (PMs) north of a policy boundary for over three decades, we find that prolonged PM exposure accelerates aging beyond the biological age, leading to higher rates of multiple chronic conditions, functional disabilities, and cognitive decline in the working-age population. These effects were dormant in the early adulthood, emerged and developed rapidly in age 40s to 50s, and persisted long after exposure ends. Older cohorts experience faster and more enduring aging effects than younger ones under the same exposure, indicating greater life-cycle vulnerability to pollution-induced aging. We highlight that sustained PM exposure accelerates aging and exacerbates physical and cognitive decline in the working-age population.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhao, Runhao & Yuan, Ye & Liu, Chong & Yi, Junjian, 2026. "Aging in Haze," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 180(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:deveco:v:180:y:2026:i:c:s0304387825002688
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2025.103717
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • J17 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Value of Life; Foregone Income
    • Q51 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Valuation of Environmental Effects
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling

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