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Chain effects of clean water: The Mills–Reincke phenomenon in early 20th-century Japan

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  • Inoue, Tatsuki
  • Ogasawara, Kota

Abstract

This study explores the validity of chain effects of clean water, which are known as the “Mills–Reincke phenomenon,” in early 20-century Japan. Recent studies have reported that water purifications systems are responsible for huge contributions to human capital. Although some studies have investigated the instantaneous effects of water-supply systems in pre-war Japan, little is known about the chain effects of these systems. By analyzing city-level cause-specific mortality data from 1922 to 1940, we find that a decline in typhoid deaths by one per 1000 people decreased the risk of death due to non-waterborne diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia by 0.742–2.942 per 1000 people. Our finding suggests that the observed Mills–Reincke phenomenon could have resulted in the relatively rapid decline in the mortality rate in early 20-century Japan.

Suggested Citation

  • Inoue, Tatsuki & Ogasawara, Kota, 2020. "Chain effects of clean water: The Mills–Reincke phenomenon in early 20th-century Japan," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 36(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ehbiol:v:36:y:2020:i:c:s1570677x19301224
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2019.100822
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Mills–Reincke phenomenon; Mortality rate; Typhoid fever; Piped water; Public health;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • N30 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - General, International, or Comparative
    • N35 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Asia including Middle East

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