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Smoke signals: Understanding temporal dynamics of wildfire exposure on health and education

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  • Arrizaga, Rubí
  • Clarke, Damian
  • Cubillos, Pedro
  • Ruiz-Tagle, J.Cristóbal

Abstract

We study the impacts of wildfires in Chile mapping local exposure to over 1000 large wildfires occurring over 17 wildfire seasons. We consider both how very local exposure patterns owing to changes in ambient conditions – such as wind, atmospheric and topographic conditions – affect exposure to air pollution from wildfires, as well as how this exposure shapes health and educational outcomes both contemporaneously and in the years following exposure. We use tens of millions of population records on admissions to hospitals, emergency department visits, birth outcomes (birth weight, size and gestational weeks), and student outcomes (GPA, standardized tests, and attendance rates). We find harmful effects of exposure to wildfire smoke on health, specifically among sensitive groups such as infants, and that these effects are transmitted over the life course worsening health and educational outcomes. These findings can be used for quantifying the benefits of fire prevention and suppression efforts as well as early warning and mitigation systems for wildfire smoke.

Suggested Citation

  • Arrizaga, Rubí & Clarke, Damian & Cubillos, Pedro & Ruiz-Tagle, J.Cristóbal, 2026. "Smoke signals: Understanding temporal dynamics of wildfire exposure on health and education," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeeman:v:138:y:2026:i:c:s0095069626000422
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeem.2026.103322
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    JEL classification:

    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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