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Short-Term Exposure to Air Pollution and Cognitive Performance: New Evidence from China’s College English Test

Author

Listed:
  • Zhenyu Yao

    (Shenzhen MSU-BIT University)

  • Wei Zhang

    (Virginia Tech)

  • Xinde Ji

    (University of Florida)

  • Weizhe Weng

    (University of Florida)

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of air pollution on students’ cognitive performance in a high-stakes exam: China’s College English Test (CET). We match exams taken from 2013 to 2017 at 22 universities across China with hourly air pollution measures from the nearest monitoring stations. Identification leverages a student fixed effects model, which alleviates the concern of omitted variables, such as students’ ability. Our estimates indicate a statistically significant negative impact of fine particulate matters (PM $$_{2.5}$$ 2.5 ) exposure during exam windows on cognitive performance. By focusing on a single language exam, instead of comparing performance across different test subjects, we are able to paint a more accurate picture of the cognitive impact of air pollution. We highlight the importance of short-term air pollution exposure for high-stakes cognitive performance. Our results suggest that temporary defensive measures could be important in mitigating the negative consequences of air pollution.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhenyu Yao & Wei Zhang & Xinde Ji & Weizhe Weng, 2023. "Short-Term Exposure to Air Pollution and Cognitive Performance: New Evidence from China’s College English Test," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 85(1), pages 211-237, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:enreec:v:85:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s10640-023-00765-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10640-023-00765-7
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    China; Fine particulate matter; Cognitive performance; College English Test;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models

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