Health Benefits of Reducing Aircraft Pollution: Evidence from Changes in Flight Paths

TY - JOUR

T1 - Health Benefits of Reducing Aircraft Pollution: Evidence from Changes in Flight Paths

AU - De Coulon, Augustin

AU - O'Mahony, Mary

AU - Beghelli, Silvia

PY - 2023/6/5

Y1 - 2023/6/5

N2 - This paper investigates externalities generated by air transportation pollution on health. As a source of exogenous variation, we use an unannounced five-month trial that reallocated early morning aircraft landings at London Heathrow airport. Our measure of health is prescribed medications spending on conditions known to be aggravated by pollution, especially sleep disturbances. We observe a significant and substantial decrease in prescribed drugs for respiratory and central nervous system disorders in the areas subjected to reduced air travel between 4:30am and 6.00am compared with the control regions. Our findings suggest a causal influence of aviation on health conditions.

AB - This paper investigates externalities generated by air transportation pollution on health. As a source of exogenous variation, we use an unannounced five-month trial that reallocated early morning aircraft landings at London Heathrow airport. Our measure of health is prescribed medications spending on conditions known to be aggravated by pollution, especially sleep disturbances. We observe a significant and substantial decrease in prescribed drugs for respiratory and central nervous system disorders in the areas subjected to reduced air travel between 4:30am and 6.00am compared with the control regions. Our findings suggest a causal influence of aviation on health conditions.

U2 - 10.1007/s00148-023-00964-y.pdf

DO - 10.1007/s00148-023-00964-y.pdf

M3 - Article

SN - 0933-1433

JO - JOURNAL OF POPULATION ECONOMICS

JF - JOURNAL OF POPULATION ECONOMICS

ER -