The Impact of Industrial Pollution Exposure on Hospital Admissions: Evidence from a Cement Plant in Russia

Abstract

The effect of individual-level daily silicon dust exposure from cement production on the probability of hospital admissions for respiratory- related reasons is examined. We use an aerodynamic dispersion model to calculate pollutants’ exposure. The dataset was collected at the cement plant in Bryanskii region, Russia. We find significant impact of silicon dust on hospitalizations for children and elderly adults. We identify a non-linear response of the individual probability of hospital admissions to the average daily inhaled concentrations in the city area where exposure is higher. Our findings contribute to better inform policymakers aiming at reducing industrial air pollution exposure in Russia. (work in progress)