Avoidable environmental disasters and infant health: Evidence from a mining dam collapse in Brazil

Bladimir Carrillo, Daniel Da Mata, Lucas Emanuel, Daniel Lopes and Breno Sampaio

Health Economics, 2020, vol. 29, issue 12, 1786-1794

Abstract: We study the health consequences of one of the largest environmental disasters of the world mining industry, which largely stemmed from regulatory failure. Exploiting the timing and location of the Mariana mine tailings dam collapse in Brazil, we show that in utero exposure to the tragedy significantly reduced birth weight and increased infant mortality. The adverse effects were stronger for infants born to less educated and nonmarried mothers. These findings indicate that poorly enforced environmental regulation may have long‐term welfare impacts on local communities.

Date: 2020
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https://doi.org/10.1002/hec.4151

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Working Paper: Avoidable environmental disasters and infant health: Evidence from a mining dam collapse in Brazil (2019)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wly:hlthec:v:29:y:2020:i:12:p:1786-1794

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