The unintended effects from halting nuclear power production: Evidence from Fukushima Daiichi accident

Matthew Neidell, Shinsuke Uchida and Marcella Veronesi

Journal of Health Economics, 2021, vol. 79, issue C

Abstract: This paper provides novel evidence of the unintended health effects stemming from the halt in nuclear power production after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident. After the accident, nuclear power stations ceased operation and nuclear power was replaced by fossil fuels, causing an increase in electricity prices. We find that this increase led to a reduction in energy consumption, which caused an increase in mortality during very cold temperatures, given the protective role that climate control plays against the elements. Our results contribute to the debate surrounding the use of nuclear as a source of energy by documenting a yet unexplored health benefit from using nuclear power, and more broadly to regulatory policy approaches implemented during periods of scientific uncertainty about potential adverse effects.

Keywords: Mortality; Temperature; Nuclear energy; Energy prices; Precautionary principle; Fukushima Daiichi accident (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I18 Q41 Q48 Q54 Q58 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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Working Paper: The Unintended Effects from Halting Nuclear Power Production: Evidence from Fukushima Daiichi Accident (2019)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jhecon:v:79:y:2021:i:c:s0167629621000928

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2021.102507

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