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The effect of air pollution on mortality in China: Evidence from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games

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  • He, Guojun
  • Fan, Maoyong
  • Zhou, Maigeng

Abstract

By exploiting exogenous variations in air quality during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, we estimate the effect of air pollution on mortality in China. We find that a 10 percent decrease in PM10 concentrations reduces the monthly standardized all-cause mortality rate by 8 percent. Men and women are equally susceptible to air pollution risks. The age groups for which the air pollution effects are greatest are children under 10 years old and the elderly.

Suggested Citation

  • He, Guojun & Fan, Maoyong & Zhou, Maigeng, 2016. "The effect of air pollution on mortality in China: Evidence from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 18-39.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeeman:v:79:y:2016:i:c:p:18-39
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeem.2016.04.004
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Air pollution; Mortality; Particulate matter; 2008 Beijing Olympic Games;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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