Working papers:

Does air pollution affect the likelihood of a fatal car crash? Evidence from the US, Job Market Paper


Abstract:  This paper examines the impact of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on fatal car accidents across the United States, using instrumental variable (IV) analysis with wind direction as an instrument for air pollution. I find that a 1 μg/m³ increase in daily PM2.5 levels is associated with a 1.34% increase in daily fatal accidents after accounting for weather conditions and fixed effects. Extending the analysis to hourly data, I find that a 1 μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 levels in the hour prior to an accident results in a 1.97% increase in fatal crashes, suggesting that short-term pollution exposure impairs cognitive function and increases accident risk in real time. Reducing PM2.5 by 1 μg/m³ could prevent approximately 550 fatalities annually, leading to an estimated economic savings of $4.06 billion based on the value of a statistical life (VSL). These findings contribute to the literature on the cognitive effects of air pollution and suggest that the social costs of pollution may be underestimated.


Effect of the Clean Air Act (1970) on Mental Health Outcomes


Abstract: This study examines the impact of the 1970 Clean Air Act on mental health outcomes, with a focus on changes in suicide and depression rates following regulatory-driven reductions in air pollution. Using county-level data and an instrumental variable approach with non-attainment status as an instrument, I analyze the relationship between air quality improvements and mental health. The results indicate no significant effect of air quality improvements on mental health outcomes, underscoring the inconsistency of findings across existing literature on pollution and mental health. These findings suggest that while environmental regulations may yield substantial physical health benefits, their influence on mental health outcomes remains uncertain.

Work in Progress: