Document Type
Working Paper
Publication Date
2019
College/Unit
Chambers College of Business and Economics
Document Number
19-06
Department/Program/Center
Economics
Abstract
A large body of research examines determinants of infant health outcomes but little examines geographic variation generated by exogenous economic shocks. Linking birth data from the CDC Natality files to counties building new facilities from 1995-2002, we find that sports facility construction projects generate local negative externalities. Infants born during facility construction periods have lower birth weights than infants born in comparable counties where no new facility opened. Maternal prenatal health visits also fall in the post-facility-opening period. Mechanisms for this impact include local airborne particulate matter and reduced provision of government services affecting prenatal health.
Digital Commons Citation
Humphreys, Brad and Ruseski, Jane, "Geographic Determinants of Infant Health: The Impact of Sports Facility Construction Projects" (2019). Economics Faculty Working Papers Series. 40.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/econ_working-papers/40