CLEAN AIR ACT 1990 AND ITS LONG-TERM IMPACT ON MORTALITY RISK AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES
2024

Impact of the Clean Air Act on Mortality Risk in Older Adults

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lu Siyao, Zang Emma

Primary Institution: Yale University

Hypothesis

The 1990 Clean Air Act has long-term effects on mortality rates among older adults in the United States.

Conclusion

The Clean Air Act significantly reduced mortality risks among older adults, particularly benefiting Black men.

Supporting Evidence

  • The Clean Air Act significantly lowered mortality risks among the older population.
  • Black men experienced the most substantial health benefits from the Clean Air Act.
  • The impacts on Black older adults manifested more slowly compared to their White counterparts.

Takeaway

The Clean Air Act helped older people live longer by improving air quality, especially for Black men.

Methodology

The study used a difference-in-differences approach analyzing county-level data from 1982 to 2000.

Participant Demographics

The study focused on older adults, with attention to racial differences, particularly between Black and White populations.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3119

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