Estimating Causal Effects of Particulate Matter Regulation on Mortality.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Estimating the causal effect of pollution on human health is integral for evaluating returns to pollution regulation, yet separating out confounding factors remains a perennial challenge.

Methods

We use a quasi-experimental design to investigate the causal relationship between regulation of particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrograms per cubic meter (PM2.5) and mortality among those 65 years of age and older. We exploit regulatory changes in the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA). Regulation in 2005 impacted areas of the United States differentially based on pre-regulation air quality levels for PM2.5. We use county-level mortality data, extracted from claims data managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, merged to county-level average PM2.5 reading

SUBMITTER: Sanders NJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7880579 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature