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Long-run pollution exposure and mortality: Evidence from the Acid Rain Program

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  • Barreca, Alan I.
  • Neidell, Matthew
  • Sanders, Nicholas J.

Abstract

We estimate the effects of long-run pollution exposure on mortality by exploiting the United States Acid Rain Program (ARP) as a natural experiment. We use a difference-in-differences design to compare changes in adult mortality over time driven by installations of sulfur controls on power plants, combined with a model of atmospheric pollution transport. We find that sulfur controls reduced pollution immediately, with smaller relative improvements in the following years. Mortality reductions started small and grew steadily, suggesting cumulative health effects over time. We also find persistent mortality effects for those 35–64 years of age, suggesting the ARP had large productivity gains for the working-age population.

Suggested Citation

  • Barreca, Alan I. & Neidell, Matthew & Sanders, Nicholas J., 2021. "Long-run pollution exposure and mortality: Evidence from the Acid Rain Program," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:200:y:2021:i:c:s0047272721000761
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2021.104440
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    7. Ahmad, Husnain F. & Gibson, Matthew & Nadeem, Fatiq & Nasim, Sanval & Rezaee, Arman, 2022. "Forecasts: Consumption, Production, and Behavioral Responses," IZA Discussion Papers 15831, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    8. Gong, Yazhen & Li, Shanjun & Sanders, Nicholas J. & Shi, Guang, 2023. "The mortality impact of fine particulate matter in China: Evidence from trade shocks," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 117(C).
    9. Hamid Noghanibehambari & Jason Fletcher, 2023. "Childhood exposure to birth registration laws and old‐age mortality," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 32(3), pages 735-743, March.

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