Econ Papers Daily / 期刊论文
肯尼亚同期空气污染暴露对认知表现的影响
Impacts of contemporaneous air pollution exposure on cognitive performance in Kenya
摘要
We estimate the short-term cognitive effects of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure using novel exposure data collected during cognitive testing in Kenya. Unlike most existing studies that rely on satellite-based or fixed monitoring station data, we measure highly localized ambient pollution using portable monitors deployed at cognitive testing sites and link these readings directly to Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) scores. Higher PM2.5 exposure during testing is associated with lower cognitive performance, particularly in executive function, memory, and visuospatial tasks. Binned exposure models suggest a monotonic pattern, with more negative estimates at higher exposure levels. Notably, effects are significantly larger among more educated individuals, possibly due to greater task demands or lower chronic exposure that limits physiological adaptation. Given that cognitive impairment is evident even at PM2.5 levels below Kenya’s mean annual regulatory threshold of 35 μ g /m 3 , the findings suggest that short-term exposure may impose underappreciated human capital costs that current regulatory standards fail to mitigate. The results highlight the potential cognitive and economic returns to interventions that reduce air pollution exposures in low-resource settings.
中文摘要
我们利用在肯尼亚认知测试期间收集的新型暴露数据，估算了细颗粒物（PM2.5）暴露对认知能力的短期影响。与多数依赖卫星或固定监测站数据的现有研究不同，我们在认知测试现场部署便携式监测器，测量高度局地化的环境污染物浓度，并将这些读数直接与协调认知评估协议（HCAP）得分相关联。测试期间较高的PM2.5暴露与较低的认知表现相关，尤其在执行功能、记忆和视觉空间任务中表现显著。分段暴露模型显示单调模式，在较高暴露水平下估计值更为负面。值得注意的是，教育程度较高个体的效应显著更大，这可能归因于更高的任务需求或较低的慢性暴露限制了生理适应。鉴于即使在PM2.5水平低于肯尼亚年均监管阈值35微克/立方米时，认知损伤依然明显，研究结果表明短期暴露可能带来当前监管标准未能缓解的、被低估的人力资本成本。这些结果凸显了在资源匮乏环境中减少空气污染暴露的干预措施可能带来的认知和经济回报。