The Nonlinear Effects of Air Pollution on Health: Evidence from Wildfire Smoke

Nolan H. Miller, David Molitor and Eric Zou

No 32924, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: We estimate how acute air pollution exposure from wildfire smoke impacts human health in the U.S., allowing for nonlinear effects. Wildfire smoke is pervasive and produces air quality shocks of varying intensity, depending on wind patterns and plume thickness. Using administrative Medicare records for 2007–2019, we estimate that wildfire smoke accounts for 18% of ambient PM2.5 concentrations, 0.42% of deaths, and 0.69% of emergency room visits among adults aged 65 and over. Smaller pollution shocks have outsized health impacts, indicating significant health benefits from improving air quality, even in areas meeting current regulatory standards.

JEL-codes: I18 J14 Q51 Q53 Q54 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024-09
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-env, nep-hea and nep-ipr
Note: AG EEE EH PE
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