The Effectiveness of Cigarette Regulations in Reducing Cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

39 Pages Posted: 29 Sep 2006 Last revised: 25 Sep 2022

See all articles by Sara Markowitz

Sara Markowitz

Emory University; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Date Written: September 2006

Abstract

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is a leading cause of mortality among infants and is responsible for thousands of infant deaths every year. Prenatal smoking and postnatal environmental smoke have been identified as strong risk factors for SIDS. Given the link between smoking and SIDS, this paper examines the direct effects of cigarette prices, taxes and clean indoor air laws in explaining changes in the incidence of SIDS over time in the United States. State-level counts of SIDS cases are generated from death certificates for 1973 to 2003. After controlling for some observed and unobserved confounding factors, the results show that higher cigarette prices and taxes are associated with reductions in SIDS cases. Stronger restrictions on smoking in restaurants and child care centers are also effective in reducing SIDS deaths.

Suggested Citation

Markowitz, Sara, The Effectiveness of Cigarette Regulations in Reducing Cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (September 2006). NBER Working Paper No. w12527, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=931372

Sara Markowitz (Contact Author)

Emory University ( email )

Atlanta, GA 30322
United States

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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