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Clean Air and Cognitive Productivity: Effect and Adaptation

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Abstract

We observe 1.8 million university course grades for 88,959 adults who learn and complete examinations in a much less polluted environment than previously studied. We use a within-student identification strategy and find robust evidence of a negative and causal effect of exam-day outdoor air pollution on course performance. The effect of pollution persists beyond the same-day effect. Female students are more sensitive than males, and effects greatest when engaged in unfamiliar tasks. We explore two mar- gins of adaptation, one infrastructural, one behavioral. Working in a new building, and particularly if it is high quality (LEED Gold), provides significant mitigation. Relocating to a floor above ground-level also offers partial protection.

Suggested Citation

  • Nikolai Cook, Anthony Heyes, Nicholas Rivers, 2023. "Clean Air and Cognitive Productivity: Effect and Adaptation," LCERPA Working Papers bm0137, Laurier Centre for Economic Research and Policy Analysis.
    • Handle: RePEc:wlu:lcerpa:bm0137
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    Keywords

    air pollution; cognitive function; particulate matter; productivity;
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