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Riders in the Smog: How Air Pollution Affects Workers in Urban Environments

Author

Listed:
  • Giovanna D'Adda

    (University of Milan, Italy and CMCC)

  • Simone Ferro

    (University of Milan, Italy)

  • Tommaso Frattini

    (University of Milan, LdA, CEPR, RFBerlin)

  • Alessio Romarri

    (Departament of Applied Economics, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain & RFBerlin, Germany)

Abstract

Using large-scale high-granularity data from a food delivery platform and granular pollution and weather information, we study how PM2.5 fluctuations affect riders' absenteeism, productivity, and accidents. Exploiting exogenous pollution variation from inverse boundary layer height, we find that higher pollution increases absenteeism for all workers and raises delivery times and accident rates only among (e-)bike riders, who must exert physical effort while working. Affected workers compensate productivity losses by working longer hours. Monetary incentives mitigate the effects on absenteeism but do not offset the decline in productivity and appear to exacerbate accident risk.

Suggested Citation

  • Giovanna D'Adda & Simone Ferro & Tommaso Frattini & Alessio Romarri, 2025. "Riders in the Smog: How Air Pollution Affects Workers in Urban Environments," Working Papers wpdea2518, Department of Applied Economics at Universitat Autonoma of Barcelona.
    • Handle: RePEc:uab:wprdea:wpdea2518
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    References listed on IDEAS

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