Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/279101 
Year of Publication: 
2023
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 16403
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
Although at least 400 million people suffer from seasonal allergies worldwide, the adverse effects of pollen on "non-health" outcomes, such as cognition and productivity, are relatively understudied. Using ambulance archives from Japan, we demonstrate that high pollen days are associated with increased accidents and injuries— one of the most extreme consequences of cognitive impairment. We find some evidence of avoidance behavior in buying allergy products but limited evidence in curtailing outdoor activity, implying that the cognitive risk of pollen exposure is discounted. Our results call for governmental efforts to raise public awareness of the risks and promote widespread behavioral change.
Subjects: 
seasonal allergies
pollen
accidents
cognition
avoidance behaviors
adaptation
climate change
JEL: 
I12
J24
Q51
Q53
Q54
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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