The Dynamics of Air Pollution, Socio-Economic Status and Mortality Rate: Panel Study Evidence from Sweden

Abstract: This study investigated the relationship between the mortality rate and air pollution, as well as socioeconomic factors such as education, socioeconomic status, smoking behavior, and unemployment in Sweden using regional data on county level from 2005 to 2021. The study adopted Environmental Justice Theory as the theoretical framework and used fixed effects model to control for unobserved heterogeneity. The findings showed that air pollution had a statistically insignificant but positive effect on mortality rate as it increases mortality, while socioeconomic status had a statistically significant and positive effect on mortality rate. The interaction between air pollution and socioeconomic status was not statistically significant but reduces mortality rate, indicating that the effect of air pollution on mortality rate is stronger for individuals with higher socioeconomic status than individuals with lower social economic status. The study provides evidence that policies aimed at reducing air pollution and addressing socioeconomic factors could have a positive impact on public health outcomes. The policy recommendations include investing in renewable energy sources, promoting public transportation and sustainable practices, implementing stricter regulations on industrial emissions, improving healthcare access, and collaborating with neighboring regions and countries to develop cross-border policies to reduce air pollution levels. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to mortality rates and potential interventions to improve public health outcomes.