Early View
Original Article

Effect of Prenatal Exposure to Radiation on Birth Outcomes: Exploiting a Natural Experiment in Taiwan

Meng-Wen Tsou

Meng-Wen Tsou

National Central University

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Jin-Tan Liu

Jin-Tan Liu

National Taiwan University and National Bureau of Economic Research

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James K. Hammitt

James K. Hammitt

Harvard University and University of Toulouse Capitole

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Chyi-Horng Lu

Chyi-Horng Lu

National Taiwan University

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Szu-Yu Zoe Kao

Szu-Yu Zoe Kao

University of Minnesota

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First published: 28 May 2019

Abstract

We estimate the effect of prenatal exposure to radiation on infant health. By exploiting the 1983 Taiwanese radiation-contaminated buildings accident as a natural experiment, we compare birth outcomes between siblings and cousins exposed to different radiation levels. Given the 1983 accident was unanticipated and exposed cohorts were unaware of the risk until 1992, our design isolates the effect of radiation exposure during pregnancy from other effects. We provide the first evidence that prenatal exposure to a continuous low-level dose of radiation significantly reduces gestational length and increases the probabilities of prematurity and low birth weight.

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