SUPERFUND CLEANUPS AND INFANT HEALTH

Am Econ Rev. 2011 May;101(3):435-441. doi: 10.1257/aer.101.3.435.

Abstract

We are the first to examine the effect of Superfund cleanups on infant health rather than focusing on proximity to a site. We study singleton births to mothers residing within 5km of a Superfund site between 1989-2003 in five large states. Our "difference in differences" approach compares birth outcomes before and after a site clean-up for mothers who live within 2,000 meters of the site and those who live between 2,000- 5,000 meters of a site. We find that proximity to a Superfund site before cleanup is associated with a 20 to 25% increase in the risk of congenital anomalies.

MeSH terms

  • Congenital Abnormalities / etiology
  • Environmental Pollution / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Hazardous Waste / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Health*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome*
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects*
  • United States
  • United States Environmental Protection Agency
  • Waste Management*

Substances

  • Hazardous Waste