Economics ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-31-2022

Abstract

This dissertation consists of five chapters on air pollution. Chapter 1 discusses the issue of air pollution in two regions in South Asia: the Hindu-Kush Himalayan (HKH) Region and the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP). Chapter 2 builds on the canonical health production function model to investigate the heterogeneity in air pollution exposure and health outcome using data from Siddharthanagar municipality of Nepal. I use a novel approach of directly measuring individual lung functions to assess respiratory health conditions. The findings reveal lower lung functions among outdoor workers and individuals from households residing near prominent local pollution sources. The use of exposure avoidance measures positively correlates with lung function. Exposure avoidance, however, is considerably low among the marginalized groups of outdoor workers and households residing in polluted areas, underscoring the role avoidance behaviors can play in further exacerbating the exposure gap across socioeconomic subgroups.

Chapter 3 applies the double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation method to estimate public willingness to pay (WTP) for clean air. I primarily find significant WTP hotspots in areas near brick kilns and high traffic movement. On the contrary, more exposed outdoor workers have significantly lower WTP. After accounting for choice uncertainty and protest responses, I estimate a mean WTP value of NRs. 774.72 (~USD 6.6)—0.43% of annual household income. This study offers the first empirical evidence of the stated preference for ambient air quality improvement in Nepal. Chapter 4 examines poor health-induced socioeconomic burdens of air pollution exposure. I mainly focus on three indicators: treatment expenditure and work and school absenteeism. I find residential exposure to local pollution sources is strongly associated with higher treatment expenditure and school absenteeism, while outdoor workers are more likely to lose working days. This study reinforces the case of unequal distribution of the burden of air pollution, with higher impacts befalling the socioeconomically marginalized households. Chapter 5 summarizes the main findings, policy implications, and avenues for future research.

Degree Name

Economics

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Department of Economics

First Committee Member (Chair)

Alok K. Bohara

Second Committee Member

Andrew Goodkind

Third Committee Member

Xiaoxue Li

Fourth Committee Member

Yan Lin

Language

English

Keywords

Air Pollution, Lung Function, Socioeconomic Burdens, Willingness to Pay, Environmental Inequity, Spatial Analysis

Document Type

Dissertation

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Economics Commons

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