Where there is Fire, there is Smoke: Effects on Air Pollution and Mental Health in Canada

 

Janet Currie, the Henry Putnam Professor of Economics and Public Affairs, presented “Where there is Fire, there is Smoke: Effects on Air Pollution and Mental Health in Canada.” Currie was the final speaker in the fall 2023 HMEI Faculty Seminar Series.

Recent events have highlighted that air pollution from fires can travel great distances. Professor Currie’s work uses variation in local air pollution stemming from distant fires to identify the impacts of air pollution on hospitalizations for mental health in Canada. Her research shows that there are significant effects on hospitalizations for anxiety and substance abuse, adding to a growing body of literature suggesting that air pollution has negative effects on mental health.

Where there is Fire, there is Smoke: Effects on Air Pollution and Mental Health in Canada

Publish Date

December 5, 2023

Presenter(s)

Janet Currie

Link to Video

https://youtu.be/OtAkDIVuO-s

Video Length

55:28

 

Janet Currie, the Henry Putnam Professor of Economics and Public Affairs, presented “Where there is Fire, there is Smoke: Effects on Air Pollution and Mental Health in Canada.” Currie was the final speaker in the fall 2023 HMEI Faculty Seminar Series.

Recent events have highlighted that air pollution from fires can travel great distances. Professor Currie’s work uses variation in local air pollution stemming from distant fires to identify the impacts of air pollution on hospitalizations for mental health in Canada. Her research shows that there are significant effects on hospitalizations for anxiety and substance abuse, adding to a growing body of literature suggesting that air pollution has negative effects on mental health.