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The relationship between oil production and infant health outcomes: Evidence from fracking boom

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  • Noghanibehambari, Hamid
  • Salari, Mahmoud
  • Tavassoli, Nahid
  • Vu, Hoa

Abstract

This paper examines the effects of oil and gas production on infant health using birth records from 1990 to 2020. We focus on the rise of unconventional extraction methods—particularly hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”)—as a quasi-exogenous shock to local production. Exploiting the staggered discovery of fracking potential across shale counties, coupled with measures of production potential as identifying variation, we implement a difference-in-differences design to estimate the impact of drilling exposure on birth outcomes. We find that exposure to drilling activity significantly reduces birth weight, increases the incidence of low birth weight and preterm birth, and impairs fetal growth. Linking drilling to changes in local ambient pollution, we show that exposure significantly increases concentrations of ozone, PM2.5, PM10, and SO2—pollutants known to affect fetal development. These environmental changes likely contribute to the observed negative effects on infant health. Our findings offer insights into the broader costs and benefits of oil and gas extraction for local communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Noghanibehambari, Hamid & Salari, Mahmoud & Tavassoli, Nahid & Vu, Hoa, 2026. "The relationship between oil production and infant health outcomes: Evidence from fracking boom," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 61(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ehbiol:v:61:y:2026:i:c:s1570677x26000134
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2026.101583
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • 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
    • Q33 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation - - - Resource Booms (Dutch Disease)
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling

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