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Vog: using volcanic eruptions to estimate the impact of air pollution on student test scores

Author

Listed:
  • Rachel Inafuku

    (University of Hawai`i Economic Research Organization)

  • Timothy J Halliday

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies)

  • Lester Lusher

    (University of Pittsburgh)

  • Áureo de Paula

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies)

Abstract

We pair variation stemming from volcanic eruptions with the census of Hawaii's public schools' student test scores to estimate the impact of PM2.5$$ P{M}_{2.5} $$ and SO2$$ S{O}_2 $$ on student performance. Increased particulate pollution decreases test scores. These results are concentrated among schools with the highest long‐term average levels of pollution. The effects of PM2.5$$ P{M}_{2.5} $$ are larger for the poorest pupils by a factor of at least three. We demonstrate that poor air quality disproportionately impacts the human capital accumulation of economically disadvantaged children.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Rachel Inafuku & Timothy J Halliday & Lester Lusher & Áureo de Paula, 2025. "Vog: using volcanic eruptions to estimate the impact of air pollution on student test scores," IFS Working Papers W25/07, Institute for Fiscal Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:ifs:ifsewp:25/07
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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