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Long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 and population health: evidence from linked census data

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Listed:
  • Rowland, Neil
  • McVicar, Duncan
  • Vlachos, Stavros
  • Jahanshahi, Babak
  • McGovern, Mark E.
  • O’Reilly, Dermot

Abstract

Particulate matter suspended in the air that is comprised of microscopic particles with a diameter of 2.5μm or less (PM2.5) is among the most impactful pollutants globally. Extensive evidence shows exposure to ambient PM2.5 is associated with a wide range of poor health outcomes. However, few studies examine long-run pollution exposures in nationally representative data. This study exploits Census data for Northern Ireland, linked to average PM2.5 concentrations at the 1x1km grid-square level during the period 2002–2010. We combine outcome measures in 2011 with data on complete residential histories. Before adjusting for other covariates, we show strong relationships between PM2.5 exposure, self-rated general health, disability, and all available (eleven) domain-specific health measures in the data. Associations with poor general health, chronic illness, breathing difficulties, mobility difficulties, and deafness are robust to extensive conditioning and to further analysis designed to examine sensitivity to unobserved confounders.

Suggested Citation

  • Rowland, Neil & McVicar, Duncan & Vlachos, Stavros & Jahanshahi, Babak & McGovern, Mark E. & O’Reilly, Dermot, 2024. "Long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 and population health: evidence from linked census data," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 55(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:ehbiol:v:55:y:2024:i:c:s1570677x24000698
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2024.101417
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Particulate matter; self-reported health; Census data; omitted variable bias;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • 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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