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The Effect of Open-Air Waste Burning on Infant Health: Evidence from Government Failure in Lebanon

Author

Listed:
  • Pierre Mouganie
  • Ruba Ajeeb
  • Mark Hoekstra
Abstract
An estimated 40 percent of the world's garbage is burned in open-air fires, which are responsible for as much as half of the global emissions of some pollutants. However, there is little evidence on the health consequences of open-air waste burning. In this paper, we estimate the effect of in utero exposure to open-air waste burning on birth outcomes. We do so by examining the consequences of the Lebanese garbage crisis of 2015, which led to an abrupt, unanticipated increase in waste burning in residential neighborhoods in Beirut and Mount Lebanon. To identify effects, we exploit variation in exposure across neighborhoods before and after the crisis. Results indicate exposure had large impacts on birth outcomes; in utero exposure to at least one open-air waste burn increased premature births by 4 percentage points (50%) and low birth weight by 5 to 8 percentage points (80 - 120%). Given previous research documenting the long-run effects of prenatal shocks on adult health, human capital, and labor market outcomes, this suggests open-air waste burning imposes significant costs on populations worldwide.

Suggested Citation

  • Pierre Mouganie & Ruba Ajeeb & Mark Hoekstra, 2020. "The Effect of Open-Air Waste Burning on Infant Health: Evidence from Government Failure in Lebanon," NBER Working Papers 26835, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:26835
    Note: CH DEV EH
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Li, Hao & Guo, Huanxiu & Huang, Naqun & Ye, Jingjing, 2020. "Health risks of exposure to waste pollution: Evidence from Beijing," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 63(C).

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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