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The Long-Term Human Capital and Health Impacts of a Pollution Reduction Programme

Author

Listed:
  • Fukushima, Nanna

    (The Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute)

  • von Hinke, Stephanie

    (University of Bristol)

  • Sørensen, Emil N.

    (University of Bristol)

Abstract

This paper investigates the effects of the staggered roll-out of a pollution reduction programme introduced in the UK in the 1950s. The policy allowed local authorities to introduce so-called "Smoke Control Areas" (SCAs) which banned smoke emissions. We start by digitizing historical pollution data to show that the policy led to an immediate reduction in black smoke concentrations. We then merge data on the exact location, boundary and month of introduction of SCAs to individual-level outcomes in older age using individuals' year-month and location of birth. We show that exposure to the programme increased individuals' birth weights as well as height in adulthood. We find no impact on their years of education or fluid intelligence.

Suggested Citation

  • Fukushima, Nanna & von Hinke, Stephanie & Sørensen, Emil N., 2024. "The Long-Term Human Capital and Health Impacts of a Pollution Reduction Programme," IZA Discussion Papers 17205, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17205
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    control areas; developmental origins; staggered treatment effects;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • C22 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes

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