RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Air Pollution and Cognition in Children
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 1024-13871R1
DO 10.3368/jhr.1024-13871R1
A1 Andersen, Christina M.
A1 Brandt, Jørgen
A1 Christensen, Jesper H.
A1 Frohn, Lise M.
A1 Geels, Camilla
A1 Hener, Timo
A1 Simonsen, Marianne
A1 Skipper, Lars
YR 2025
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/early/2025/10/02/jhr.1024-13871R1.abstract
AB This paper examines the effects of daily outdoor air pollution variation on student test scores. Using Danish register data for all elementary and lower secondary students, we link home addresses to a 1 km x 1 km pollution grid to measure test day and lifetime pollution exposure. An increase in fine particles (PM2.5) from a very clean to an average day reduces math scores by 1.8% and reading scores by 0.9% of a standard deviation. Even at low pollution levels, student performance is harmed, especially in math. We find no evidence of heterogeneity by health, socio-economic status, or lifetime exposure.