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Same pollution but different health impact: the role of economic condition

Author

Listed:
  • Xuemei Zhang

    (Northwest University, School of Economics and Management)

  • Haitao Yin

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Antai College of Economics and Management)

  • Feng Wang

    (Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, School of Public Administration and Policy)

Abstract

This study investigates how community economic conditions shape the health impacts of in utero exposure to pollution in China. Using nationally representative survey data, we compare the health outcomes of children born before and after the establishment of a local polluting factory. We find that prenatal exposure significantly increases childhood illness. The effect is especially strong in economically disadvantaged communities and weakens as local economic conditions improve. Two mechanisms help explain this pattern: wealthier communities are better positioned to mitigate harm through greater parental investment and stricter environmental enforcement, while income gains following factory establishment help offset health costs in poorer communities. The mitigating role of economic conditions is especially pronounced among children under age 13 and boys.

Suggested Citation

  • Xuemei Zhang & Haitao Yin & Feng Wang, 2025. "Same pollution but different health impact: the role of economic condition," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 69(6), pages 3337-3365, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:empeco:v:69:y:2025:i:6:d:10.1007_s00181-025-02796-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s00181-025-02796-z
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development

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