Author: Zhang, Xin; Chen, Xi; Zhang, Xiaobo
Description: This paper examines the effect of both cumulative and transitory exposures to air pollution for the same individuals over time on cognitive performance by matching a nationally representative longitudinal survey and air quality data in China according to the exact time and geographic locations of the cognitive tests. We find that long-term exposure to air pollution impedes cognitive performance in verbal and math tests. We provide evidence that the effect of air pollution on verbal tests becomes more pronounced as people age, especially for men and the less educated. The damage on the aging brain by air pollution likely imposes substantial health and economic costs, considering that cognitive functioning is critical for the elderly for both running daily errands and making high-stake decisions.
Subject headings: Air Pollution; China; Cognition; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Models, Econometric, China; Aging; Cognitive decline; Gender difference
Publication year: 2018
Journal or book title: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume: 115
Issue: 37
Pages: 9193-9197
Find the full text: https://www.strategian.com/fulltext/Zhang2018.pdf
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Serial number: 3604