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The effect of prenatal exposure to radiation on birth outcomes: exploiting a natural experiment in Taiwan

Author

Listed:
  • Meng-Wen Tsou

    (National Central University)

  • Jin-Tan Liu

    (National Taiwan University
    NBER)

  • James K. Hammitt

    (Center for Risk Analysis, Harvard University
    Toulouse School of Economics, Université Toulouse Capitole)

  • Chyi-Horng Lu

    (National Taiwan University)

  • Szu-Yu Zoe Kao

    (University of Minnesota)

Abstract

We estimate the effect of prenatal exposure to radiation on infant health. By exploiting the 1983 Taiwanese radiation-contaminated buildings accident as a natural experiment, we compare birth outcomes between siblings and cousins exposed to different radiation levels. Given the 1983 accident was unanticipated and exposed cohorts were unaware of the risk until 1992, our design isolates the effect of radiation exposure during pregnancy from other effects. We provide the first evidence that prenatal exposure to a continuous low-level dose of radiation significantly reduces gestational length and increases the probabilities of prematurity and low birth weight.

Suggested Citation

  • Meng-Wen Tsou & Jin-Tan Liu & James K. Hammitt & Chyi-Horng Lu & Szu-Yu Zoe Kao, 2020. "The effect of prenatal exposure to radiation on birth outcomes: exploiting a natural experiment in Taiwan," The Japanese Economic Review, Springer, vol. 71(3), pages 379-403, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jecrev:v:71:y:2020:i:3:d:10.1007_s42973-019-00016-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s42973-019-00016-9
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    Cited by:

    1. Tamás Hajdu & Gábor Hajdu, 2020. "Temperature, climate change and birth weight: Evidence from Hungary," CERS-IE WORKING PAPERS 2032, Institute of Economics, Centre for Economic and Regional Studies.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Ionizing radiation; Birth outcomes; Prenatal exposure; Birthweight; Radiation contaminated buildings;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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