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Cigarette taxes, smoking, and health in the long run

Author

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  • Friedson, Andrew
  • Li, Moyan
  • Meckel, Katherine
  • Rees, Daniel I.
  • Sacks, Daniel W.

Abstract

Medical experts have argued forcefully that using cigarettes harms health, prompting the adoption of myriad anti-smoking policies. The association between smoking and mortality may, however, be influenced by unobserved factors, making it difficult to discern the underlying long-term causal relationship. In this study, we explore the effects of cigarette taxes experienced as a teenager, which are arguably exogenous, on adult smoking participation and mortality. A one-dollar increase in cigarette taxes experienced at ages 14–17 is associated with an 8 percent reduction in adult smoking participation and a 4 percent reduction in mortality. Mortality effects are most pronounced for heart disease and lung cancer.

Suggested Citation

  • Friedson, Andrew & Li, Moyan & Meckel, Katherine & Rees, Daniel I. & Sacks, Daniel W., 2023. "Cigarette taxes, smoking, and health in the long run," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 222(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:222:y:2023:i:c:s0047272723000592
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2023.104877
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    2. Hoehn-Velasco, Lauren & Pesko, Michael & Phillips, Serena, 2022. "The Long-Term Impact of In-Utero Cigarette Taxes on Adult Prenatal Smoking," IZA Discussion Papers 15656, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Smoking; Cigarette Taxes; Mortality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H2 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue
    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior

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