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Air Pollution and Cognition in Children: Evidence from National Tests in Denmark

Author

Listed:
  • Christina M. Andersen
  • Jørgen Brandt
  • Jesper H. Christensen
  • Lise M. Frohn
  • Camilla Geels
  • Timo Hener
  • Marianne Simonsen
  • Lars Skipper

Abstract

This paper examines the effects of daily outdoor air pollution variation on student test scores. Using Danish register data for all elementary and lower secondary students, we link home addresses to a 1 km x 1 km pollution grid to measure test day and lifetime pollution exposure. An increase in fine particles (PM2.5) from a very clean to an average day reduces math scores by 1.8% and reading by 0.9% of a standard deviation. Even at low pollution levels, student performance is harmed, especially in math. We find no evidence of heterogeneity by health, socio-economic status, or lifetime exposure.

Suggested Citation

  • Christina M. Andersen & Jørgen Brandt & Jesper H. Christensen & Lise M. Frohn & Camilla Geels & Timo Hener & Marianne Simonsen & Lars Skipper, 2024. "Air Pollution and Cognition in Children: Evidence from National Tests in Denmark," CESifo Working Paper Series 11434, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_11434
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    air pollution; cognition; test scores;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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