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Information, pollution, and cognition: The impact of air pollution disclosure on aging minds

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  • Wu, Shaohui
  • Yin, Ge
  • Zhang, Xin

Abstract

This study is among the first to examine the impact of a pollution information disclosure (PID) program on the cognitive abilities of middle-aged and elderly individuals in a developing country. Leveraging China's rollout of PID as a quasi-natural experiment and using nationally representative survey data, we find that the adoption of PID mitigates the adverse effect of PM2.5 exposure on cognitive performance by 53.01%. This effect is enhanced by increased awareness of pollution risks and changes in health-related behaviors. Moreover, the impact is more pronounced among men, younger individuals, those with higher levels of education and income, internet users, and individuals living with their children.

Suggested Citation

  • Wu, Shaohui & Yin, Ge & Zhang, Xin, 2026. "Information, pollution, and cognition: The impact of air pollution disclosure on aging minds," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 96(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:chieco:v:96:y:2026:i:c:s1043951x26000143
    DOI: 10.1016/j.chieco.2026.102664
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    Keywords

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    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
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior

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