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Fetal Pollution Exposure, Cognitive Ability, and Gender-specific Parental Investment

Author

Listed:
  • Xin Zhang
  • Yixuan Wang
  • Xingyi Hu
  • Xi Chen

Abstract

We examine how prenatal exposure to air pollution interacts with gender-biased parental investments to shape long-run cognitive performance. Using nationally representative survey data from China, we show that fetal PM2.5 exposure significantly reduces cognitive ability for women, particularly among those with brothers. Our evidence suggests that the family investment channel operates primarily through education rather than health, with gender-biased educational resource allocation compounding negative outcomes for females. Specifically, conditional on the same level of fetal PM2.5 exposure, females receive less homework assistance from their families and attain lower levels of education.

Suggested Citation

  • Xin Zhang & Yixuan Wang & Xingyi Hu & Xi Chen, 2026. "Fetal Pollution Exposure, Cognitive Ability, and Gender-specific Parental Investment," NBER Working Papers 35591, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:35591
    Note: CH DEV EEE EH PE
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    JEL classification:

    • D13 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Production and Intrahouse Allocation
    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • 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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