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Low depression zones? The effect of driving restrictions on air pollution and mental health

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Listed:
  • Brehm, Johannes
  • Gruhl, Henri
  • Kottmann, Robin
  • Schmitz, Laura

Abstract

Does exposure to air pollution impact mental health? This paper uses administrative health insurance data to estimate the long-term cumulative effects of air pollution exposure on mental health outcomes. For identification, we exploit the staggered introduction of Low Emission Zones (LEZs) across German cities, which restrict access for emission-intensive vehicles. We find that LEZs reduce various air pollutants and improve the population's mental health measured by depression and anxiety diagnoses, prescriptions, and specialist visits. The health benefits emerge gradually, with younger individuals benefiting the most. Our findings suggest substantial mental health co-benefits and avoided health costs from improved air quality

Suggested Citation

  • Brehm, Johannes & Gruhl, Henri & Kottmann, Robin & Schmitz, Laura, 2024. "Low depression zones? The effect of driving restrictions on air pollution and mental health," Ruhr Economic Papers 1093, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:rwirep:302183
    DOI: 10.4419/96973270
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Clément de Chaisemartin & Xavier D'Haultfœuille, 2020. "Two-Way Fixed Effects Estimators with Heterogeneous Treatment Effects," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 110(9), pages 2964-2996, September.
    3. Pestel, Nico & Wozny, Florian, 2021. "Health effects of Low Emission Zones: Evidence from German hospitals," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    4. Gehrsitz, Markus, 2017. "The effect of low emission zones on air pollution and infant health," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 121-144.
    5. Kelly C Bishop & Jonathan D Ketcham & Nicolai V Kuminoff, 2023. "Hazed and Confused: The Effect of Air Pollution on Dementia," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 90(5), pages 2188-2214.
    6. Luechinger, Simon, 2014. "Air pollution and infant mortality: A natural experiment from power plant desulfurization," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 37(C), pages 219-231.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Mental health; air pollution; low emission zones;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy

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