Air quality warnings and outdoor activities: evidence from Southern California using a regression discontinuity design.
BACKGROUND
A study was undertaken to assess the impact of air quality warnings associated with ground-level ozone on outdoor activities in Southern California.


METHODS
Data on aggregate daily attendance at two major outdoor facilities were collected and merged with observed and forecasted air quality and meteorology at the daily level. A quasi-experimental regression discontinuity design was used to estimate the impact of warnings.


RESULTS
Attendance declined significantly when stage 1 air quality warnings ('smog alerts') were issued. Consistent with expectations, responses were greater for populations more likely to be considered susceptible and more likely to be local residents.


CONCLUSIONS
Air quality warnings are an important policy tool for protecting the public's health from high levels of ambient air pollution.
Neidell
Matthew
M
Department of Health Policy and Management, Columbia University, 600 W. 168th Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10032, USA. mn2191@columbia.edu
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D000397:Air Pollution; D002140:California; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000592:standards*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010083:Oxidants, Photochemical / Q000032:analysis*; D010126:Ozone / Q000032:analysis*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012308:Risk Management / Q000592:standards*
D000393:Air Pollutants; D010083:Oxidants, Photochemical; D010126:Ozone