The National Bureau of Economic Research has released a working paper that “examines the effects of implementing a congestion tax in central Stockholm on both ambient air pollution and the population health of local children.” The researchers found “the tax reduced ambient air pollution by 5 to 15 percent,” and led to “a significant decrease in the rate of acute asthma attacks among young children.” As part of the research, they found changes in health were “more gradual than the change in pollution” which suggests “it may take time for the full health effects of changes in pollution to be felt.” Given this, the researchers note that “estimates of the pollution reduction programs may understate the long-run health benefits.”
To view the whole paper, click here.
