The Health Impact of Environmental and Health Policies in Mining Districts: Evidence from Mexico

Abstract: In this study I investigate the health impact from an environmental policy implemented in northern Mexico. I use panel data from MxFLS (Mexican Family Life Survey) that is collected on an individual level. The individuals are all over 15 years old and are analysed in two or three different periods (2002, 2005-2006 and 2009-2012). Health is measured in a subjective form where individuals rank their current health status from 1 (Very Poor) to 5 (Very Good). The impact of the policy is measured by using an interaction term that interacts two dummy variables representing the area where the policy was implemented (city of Torreon) and the post period (2005 to 2012). The results indicate that the policy has been successful on a subjective level. However, these results were not supported by the more objective measures of health, namely self-reported illnesses, hospitalizations and doctor visits.