Work

The Effect of Bans and Taxes on Passive Smoking

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: We evaluate the effect of smoking bans and excise taxes on the exposure to tobacco smoke of nonsmokers, and we show their unintended consequences on children. Smoking bans perversely increase non-smokers' exposure by displacing smokers to private places where they contaminate nonsmokers. We exploit data on bio-samples of cotinine, time use, and smoking cessation, as well as state and time variation in anti-smoking policies across US states. We find that higher taxes are an efficient way to decrease exposure to tobacco smoke. (JEL D12, H25, I12, I18, J13)

Source: American Economic Journal Applied Economics

DOI: 10.1257/app.2.1.1

Authors: Jérôme Adda, Francesca Cornaglia

Institutions: University College London, Queen Mary University of London

Language: English

Topic: Smoking Behavior and Cessation

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Queen Mary University of London, London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London, Economic and Social Research Council