Low depression zones? The effect of driving restrictions on air pollution and mental health

Johannes Brehm, Henri Gruhl, Robin Kottmann and Laura Schmitz

No 1093, Ruhr Economic Papers from RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen

Abstract: Does exposure to air pollution impact mental health? This paper uses administrative health insurance data to estimate the long-term cumulative effects of air pollution exposure on mental health outcomes. For identification, we exploit the staggered introduction of Low Emission Zones (LEZs) across German cities, which restrict access for emission-intensive vehicles. We find that LEZs reduce various air pollutants and improve the population's mental health measured by depression and anxiety diagnoses, prescriptions, and specialist visits. The health benefits emerge gradually, with younger individuals benefiting the most. Our findings suggest substantial mental health co-benefits and avoided health costs from improved air quality

Keywords: Mental health; air pollution; low emission zones (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I18 Q53 Q58 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ene and nep-hea
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:zbw:rwirep:302183

DOI: 10.4419/96973270

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