Particulate air pollution, birth outcomes, and infant mortality: Evidence from Japan's automobile emission control law of 1992. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Inoue, Tatsuki; Nunokawa, Nana; Kurisu, Daisuke; Ogasawara, Kota
• Is Part Of: SSM - population health. Volume 11(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Air pollution control regulations -- Automobile NOx Law -- Fetal death rate -- Low-birth weight -- Infant mortality -- Neonatal mortality; I18 -- N30 -- N35; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Medical anthropology -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; 362.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2020.100590
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-8273

Abstract

Abstract: This study investigates the impacts of the Automobile NOx Law of 1992 on ambient air pollutants and fetal and infant health outcomes in Japan. Using panel data taken from more than 1500 monitoring stations between 1987 and 1997, we find that NOx and SO2 levels reduced by 5% and 11%, respectively in regulated areas following the 1992 regulation. In addition, using a municipal-level panel data set from Japan's Vital Statistics Survey and a difference-in-differences approach, we find that the regulation explains most of the improvements in the fetal death rate after the regulation came into effect. This study provides evidence on the positive impacts of this large-scale automobile regulation policy on fetal health. Highlights: We estimate the effects of Automobile NOx Law on fetal and infant health. Monitoring station-level and municipal-level panel datasets are used. Regression differences-in-differences models are adopted. NOx and SO2 levels were reduced by 5% and 11% by the regulation. The fetal death rate was substantially improved by the regulation.