CHE Seminar - The impact of Low Emission Zones on birth and child health outcomes
TBC
Event details
Abstract:
Traffic-related air pollution has been linked to adverse birth outcomes and poorer child health, yet evidence on the long-term health benefits of Low Emission Zones (LEZs) remains limited. This paper examines the effects of London's LEZ, T-Charge, and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) on birth outcomes and subsequent child health. We combine administrative hospital records from Hospital Episode Statistics covering over 6 million births between 2006 and 2022 in England with detailed residential information identifying populations exposed to each policy. Exploiting spatial variation in exposure and policy implementation dates, we estimate difference-in-differences models comparing outcomes in exposed and unexposed areas before and after each intervention. We find that in-utero exposure to LEZ reduces pre-term births by approximately 15%, with smaller improvements in foetal abnormalities but little effect on birth weight. In contrast, effects on child health are substantial: respiratory admissions, rhinitis, autism spectrum disorders, and broader neurodevelopmental disorders all decline following the introduction of low-emission policies. The findings suggest that urban air quality regulations generate significant and persistent health benefits extending beyond birth and into childhood.
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About the speaker
Eleonora Fichera
Eleonora is Professor in Applied Economics at the University of Bath. Her research focuses on the wider determinants of health in high and low and middle income countries. Her recent work investigates the effect of pollution on health, information and taxes on consumer behaviour (including their dietary choices), health and housing, and the effect of early life shocks on later life health. She is also working on issues related to gender in academic career progression. She is co-director of the UKRI Population Health Improvement theme “Local Health and Global Profits” and Director of Research of the Centre for 21st Century Public Health. Currently she serves on the editorial board of Health Economics and the Social Sciences Advisory Committee at the Wellcome Trus
Venue details
Wheelchair accessible
Contact
For more information on these seminars, contact Sumit Mazumdar or Joe Spearing.