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Research ArticleArticles

A Thousand Cuts: Cumulative Lead Exposure Reduces Academic Achievement

Alex Hollingsworth, Jiafang Mike Huang, Ivan Rudik and Nicholas J. Sanders
Published online before print October 07, 2022, 0222-12169R2; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.0222-12169R2
Alex Hollingsworth
Hollingsworth: O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, and National Bureau of Economic Research.
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Jiafang Mike Huang
Huang: Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University.
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Ivan Rudik
Rudik: Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University.
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Nicholas J. Sanders
Sanders: Department of Policy Analysis and Management, Cornell University, and National Bureau of Economic Research.
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Abstract

We study how ambient lead exposure impacts learning in elementary school by leveraging a natural experiment where a large national automotive racing organization switched from leaded to unleaded fuel. We find increased levels and duration of exposure to lead negatively affect academic performance, shift the entire academic performance distribution, and negatively impact both younger and older children. The average treated student in our setting has an expected income reduction of $5,200 in present value terms. Avoiding said treatment has an effect size similar to improving teacher value added by one-fourth of a standard deviation, reducing class size by 3 students, or increasing school spending per pupil by $750. The marginal impacts of lead are larger in impoverished, non-white counties, and among students with greater duration of exposure, even after controlling for the total quantity of exposure.

JEL:
  • I14
  • I21
  • Q51
  • Q53
Keywords:
  • education
  • air pollution
  • lead
  • test scores
  • children

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Journal of Human Resources: 58 (3)
Journal of Human Resources
Vol. 58, Issue 3
1 May 2023
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A Thousand Cuts: Cumulative Lead Exposure Reduces Academic Achievement
Alex Hollingsworth, Jiafang Mike Huang, Ivan Rudik, Nicholas J. Sanders
Journal of Human Resources Oct 2022, 0222-12169R2; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.0222-12169R2

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A Thousand Cuts: Cumulative Lead Exposure Reduces Academic Achievement
Alex Hollingsworth, Jiafang Mike Huang, Ivan Rudik, Nicholas J. Sanders
Journal of Human Resources Oct 2022, 0222-12169R2; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.0222-12169R2
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Keywords

  • I14
  • I21
  • Q51
  • Q53
  • Education
  • Air Pollution
  • lead
  • test scores
  • children
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