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Air pollution and morbidity: evidence from internet search behavior in a panel of 100 Chinese cities

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  • Mingying Zhu

    (Nanjing University)

  • Anthony Heyes

    (University of Birmingham)

Abstract

We provide linear and nonparametric estimates of the causal impact of short-term exposure to polluted air on the prevalence of cough in a panel of a hundred Chinese cities. In our central estimate, which exploits plausibly exogenous variations in the number of upwind agricultural fires burning in the vicinity as an instrument, we find that a one standard deviation increase in airborne pollution causes a roughly 6% increase in the prevalence of cough in the affected city. Among pollutants, the effect can be tied specifically to particulate matter ( $$PM_{2.5}$$ P M 2.5 ). The results prove resilient in a series of robustness tests and falsification exercises.

Suggested Citation

  • Mingying Zhu & Anthony Heyes, 2025. "Air pollution and morbidity: evidence from internet search behavior in a panel of 100 Chinese cities," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 68(4), pages 1893-1934, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:empeco:v:68:y:2025:i:4:d:10.1007_s00181-024-02688-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s00181-024-02688-8
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