Work

Health benefits of reducing aircraft pollution: evidence from changes in flight paths

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: This paper investigates externalities generated by air transportation pollution on health. As a source of exogenous variation, we use an unannounced 5-month trial that reallocated early morning aircraft landings at London Heathrow Airport. Our measure of health is prescribed medications spending on conditions known to be aggravated by pollution, especially sleep disturbances. We observe a significant and substantial decrease in prescribed drugs for respiratory and central nervous system disorders in the areas subjected to reduced air travel between 4:30 am and 6.00 am compared with the control regions. Our findings suggest a causal influence of aviation on health conditions.

Source: Journal of Population Economics

DOI: 10.1007/s00148-023-00964-y

Authors: Silvia Beghelli, Augustin De Coulon, Mary O’Mahony

Institutions: King's College London, IZA - Institute of Labor Economics, University of Manchester, The Productivity Institute, Centre for European Economic Research

Language: English

Topic: Air Quality and Health Impacts

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,990