School Bus Emissions, Student Health, and Academic Performance

48 Pages Posted: 13 Mar 2019 Last revised: 24 Jul 2024

See all articles by Wes Austin

Wes Austin

Georgia State University

Garth Heutel

Georgia State University

Daniel Kreisman

Georgia State University

Date Written: March 2019

Abstract

Diesel emissions from school buses expose children to high levels of air pollution; retrofitting bus engines can substantially reduce this exposure. Using variation from 2,656 retrofits across Georgia, we estimate effects of emissions reductions on district-level health and academic achievement. We demonstrate positive effects on respiratory health, measured by a statewide test of aerobic capacity. Placebo tests on body mass index show no impact. We also find that retrofitting districts see significant test score gains in English and smaller gains in math. Results suggest that engine retrofits can have meaningful and cost-effective impacts on health and cognitive functioning.

Suggested Citation

Austin, Wes and Heutel, Garth and Kreisman, Daniel, School Bus Emissions, Student Health, and Academic Performance (March 2019). NBER Working Paper No. w25641, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3351840

Wes Austin (Contact Author)

Georgia State University ( email )

35 Broad Street
Atlanta, GA 30303-3083
United States

Garth Heutel

Georgia State University ( email )

Daniel Kreisman

Georgia State University ( email )

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