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Air Pollution and Mental Health: Evidence from China

Author

Listed:
  • Shuai Chen
  • Paulina Oliva
  • Peng Zhang

Abstract

We estimate the short-run effect of air pollution on mental illness. Using the China Family Panel Studies covering 12,615 urban residents during 2014–2015, we find a significantly positive effect of air pollution—instrumented by thermal inversions—on mental illness measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Specifically, a 1 SD (18.04 μg/m3) increase in PM2.5 concentrations over a month increases the probability of having a score value associated with severe mental illness by 7.58 percentage points, or 0.37 SD. We find suggestive evidence that indirect channels—like reduced exercise and physical health—play a role in the effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Shuai Chen & Paulina Oliva & Peng Zhang, 2024. "Air Pollution and Mental Health: Evidence from China," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 114, pages 423-428, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:apandp:v:114:y:2024:p:423-28
    DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20241062
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • P28 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - Natural Resources; Environment
    • P36 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions - - - Consumer Economics; Health; Education and Training; Welfare, Income, Wealth, and Poverty
    • 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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