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Air pollution and respiratory infectious diseases

Author

Listed:
  • Provenzano, Sandro
  • Roth, Sefi
  • Sager, Lutz

Abstract

Recent research suggests that short-term exposure to air pollution is associated with an elevated prevalence of respiratory infectious disease. In this paper, we examine the relationship between the air quality index and weekly cases of COVID-19 and influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in the United States. We address potential bias from omitted variables and measurement error with an instrumental variable approach using atmospheric temperature inversions. Unlike other recent studies, we find no relationship between air quality and either COVID-19 or ILI cases.

Suggested Citation

  • Provenzano, Sandro & Roth, Sefi & Sager, Lutz, 2024. "Air pollution and respiratory infectious diseases," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 122154, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:122154
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    File URL: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/122154/
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    air pollution; respiratory disease; influenza; COVID-19; ES/P000622/1; UKRI fund;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • Q51 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Valuation of Environmental Effects
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling

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