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Cardiovascular Disease Mortality and Non-Particulate Air Pollution: Evidence from the 20th Century

Author

Listed:
  • Forshaw, Rachel
  • Kharadi, Natalya
  • McLaughlin, Eoin

Abstract

Air pollution is a global public health threat, responsible for more deaths annually than conventional lifestyle risk factors. While the link between particulate pollution and cardiovascular disease is well-established, evidence for gaseous pollutants remains limited. This study estimates the long-term population effects of a gaseous pollutant - SO2 - from 1901 to 1975 in a panel comprising 29 countries distributed globally, contributing to the under-explored literature on its cardiovascular disease mortality impact. Across a comprehensive range of empirical specifications, we observe a robust economically and statistically significant rise in cardiovascular disease mortality for an increase in SO2 emissions. We also contribute to the literature on economic growth and long-term health outcomes. Our historical perspective aligns with the call for more research on the effects of air pollution in developing nations. We highlight a complex trade-off: greater SO2 emissions increases cardiovascular disease mortality but leads to short-term regional cooling and reduced global warming and as such its abatement may contribute to future climate-related deaths.

Suggested Citation

  • Forshaw, Rachel & Kharadi, Natalya & McLaughlin, Eoin, 2023. "Cardiovascular Disease Mortality and Non-Particulate Air Pollution: Evidence from the 20th Century," Accountancy, Economics, and Finance Working Papers 2023-01, Heriot-Watt University, Department of Accountancy, Economics, and Finance.
  • Handle: RePEc:zbw:hwuaef:280754
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Air pollution; Cardiovascular disease mortality; Economic growth; Environmental Kuznets Curve; Global public health; SO2 emissions;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • N30 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - General, International, or Comparative
    • N50 - Economic History - - Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environment and Extractive Industries - - - General, International, or Comparative
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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