``Invisible Killer'': Seasonal Allergies and Accidents

Hitoshi Shigeoka and Mika Akesaka

No e187, Working Papers from Tokyo Center for Economic Research

Abstract: Although at least 400 million people suffer from seasonal allergies worldwide, the adverse effects of pollen on ``non-health'' outcomes, such as cognition and productivity, are relatively understudied. Using ambulance archives from Japan, we demonstrate that high pollen days are associated with increased accidents and injuries--one of the most extreme consequences of cognitive impairment. We find some evidence of avoidance behavior in buying allergy products but limited evidence in curtailing outdoor activity, implying that the cognitive risk of pollen exposure is discounted. Our results call for governmental efforts to raise public awareness of the risks and promote widespread behavioral change.

Pages: 75 pages
Date: 2023-08
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-hea
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Working Paper: "Invisible Killer": Seasonal Allergies and Accidents (2023)
Working Paper: “Invisible Killer”: Seasonal Allergies and Accidents (2023)
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