Health benefits of reducing aircraft pollution: evidence from changes in flight paths
利用伦敦希思罗机场早间航班临时改道的自然实验，发现减少凌晨航班能显著降低周边居民呼吸和中枢神经系统疾病的处方药支出，证实航空污染对健康的因果影响。
Abstract This paper investigates externalities generated by air transportation pollution on health. As a source of exogenous variation, we use an unannounced 5-month trial that reallocated early morning aircraft landings at London Heathrow Airport. Our measure of health is prescribed medications spending on conditions known to be aggravated by pollution, especially sleep disturbances. We observe a significant and substantial decrease in prescribed drugs for respiratory and central nervous system disorders in the areas subjected to reduced air travel between 4:30 am and 6.00 am compared with the control regions. Our findings suggest a causal influence of aviation on health conditions.