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The devil in the air: Air pollution and dementia

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  • Sun, Meng
  • Zhao, Naibao
  • Zheng, Emily Yiying

Abstract

We study the causal relationship between air pollution and dementia prevalence. Leveraging the strict air pollution regulations implemented during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and employing a Synthetic Difference-in-Differences (SDID) approach, we find that a 1 μg/m3 decrease in annual PM10 levels corresponds to a 0.82 percentage point reduction in dementia prevalence (equivalent to 2.39% of the mean). Analyses across demographics show a more pronounced impact on vulnerable groups. Moreover, an economic assessment suggests that a 10 μg/m3 reduction in China’s air pollution in 2010 could generate up to 2.36 billion US dollars in benefits due to a lower dementia prevalence. These results highlight the potential public health gains achievable through air pollution regulations.

Suggested Citation

  • Sun, Meng & Zhao, Naibao & Zheng, Emily Yiying, 2024. "The devil in the air: Air pollution and dementia," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 127(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeeman:v:127:y:2024:i:c:s0095069624000949
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeem.2024.103020
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