Working Paper: NBER ID: w21741
Authors: Mark M. Pitt; Mark R. Rosenzweig; Nazmul Hassan
Abstract: We exploit recent molecular genetics evidence on the genetic basis of arsenic excretion and unique information on family links among respondents living in different environments from a large panel survey within a theoretical framework incorporating optimizing behavior to uncover the hidden costs of arsenic poisoning in Bangladesh. We provide for the first time estimates of the effects of the ingestion and retention of inorganic arsenic on direct measures of cognitive and physical capabilities as well as on the schooling attainment, occupational structure, entrepreneurship and incomes of the rural Bangladesh population. We also provide new estimates of the effects of the consumption of foods grown and cooked in arsenic-contaminated water on individual arsenic concentrations. The estimates are based on arsenic biomarkers obtained from a sample of members of rural households in Bangladesh who are participants in a long-term panel survey following respondents and their coresident household members over a period of 26 years.
Keywords: Arsenic; Public Health; Cognitive Capabilities; Economic Outcomes
JEL Codes: I15
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Arsenic ingestion and retention (I12) | cognitive capabilities (D91) |
| Arsenic ingestion and retention (I12) | physical capabilities (R53) |
| Increased arsenic retention (L72) | lower performance on cognitive tests (D29) |
| Consumption of arsenic-contaminated foods (I12) | individual arsenic concentrations (L72) |
| Specific food consumption (grains) (D19) | increased arsenic retention (L72) |
| Specific food consumption (tubers and green vegetables) (D18) | reduced arsenic retention (L72) |
| Switching from tubewell to non-tubewell water sources (Q25) | lower arsenic retention levels (L72) |
| Retained arsenic (L72) | economic outcomes (F61) |
| Retained arsenic (L72) | women's productivity in home production (D13) |