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The value of information disclosure: Evidence from mask consumption in China

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  • Wang, Zhenxuan
  • Zhang, Junjie

Abstract

We study the effect of information provision on defensive expenditures, using China’s roll-out of air pollution information as a quasi-natural experiment. With a unique dataset of high-frequency mask purchase transactions, our difference-in-differences estimates show that the provision of air pollution information increases expenditures on PM2.5 respirators by 32%, which is mainly driven by improved information quality and the addition of PM2.5 index. The effect is enhanced by increased attention to pollution alerts and it is more pronounced during heavily polluted days. Our results shed light on the benefits of information provision through inducing defensive expenditures to reduce air pollution exposure.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Zhenxuan & Zhang, Junjie, 2023. "The value of information disclosure: Evidence from mask consumption in China," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 122(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeeman:v:122:y:2023:i:c:s0095069623000839
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeem.2023.102865
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Information provision; Air pollution; Defensive expenditures;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q51 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Valuation of Environmental Effects
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior

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