The Effects of Local Industrial Pollution on Students and Schools
55 Pages Posted: 7 Aug 2018 Last revised: 22 Aug 2018
Date Written: May 24, 2018
Abstract
Using detailed education data between 1996-2012 from the state of Florida, we examine whether pollution from local Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) sites affects student achievement and high stakes accountability school rankings. Using event study and difference-in-differences designs, we compare students attending schools within one mile of a TRI site that opens or closes to students attending schools between one and two miles away. We find that being exposed to air pollution is associated with 0.024 of standard deviation lower test scores, increased likelihood of suspension from school, and increased likelihood that a school’s overall high stakes accountability ranking will drop.
Keywords: pollution, child health, education
JEL Classification: I14, I24, I31, Q53
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation