London Fog: A Century of Pollution and Mortality, 1866-1965

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Hanlon, W. Walker
• 署名单位: Northwestern University; National Bureau of Economic Research; Centre for Economic Policy Research - UK
• 刊物名称: REVIEW OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0034-6535
• DOI: 10.1162/rest_a_01190
• 发表日期: 2024-07
• 页码: 910-923
• 关键词: air-pollution; infant-mortality; exposure; disease; HEALTH; IMPACT; COSTS

摘要

This study draws on London's long experience with air pollution in order to improve our understanding of the overall effects of pollution exposure and how and why these effects evolve as locations develop. I compare uniquely detailed new mortality data covering 1866 to 1965 to the timing of London's famous fog events, which trapped emissions in the city. I show that air pollution was a major contributor to mortality in London over this period and that it interacted strongly with specific infectious diseases. As a consequence of this interaction, reductions in the infectious disease burden substantially altered the health costs of pollution.