RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Valuing Morbidity from Wildfire Smoke Exposure: A Comparison of Revealed and Stated Preference Techniques
JF Land Economics
JO Land Econ
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 76
OP 100
DO 10.3368/le.89.1.76
VO 89
IS 1
A1 Richardson, Leslie
A1 Loomis, John B.
A1 Champ, Patricia A.
YR 2013
UL http://le.uwpress.org/content/89/1/76.abstract
AB Estimating the economic benefits of reduced health damages due to improvements in environmental quality continues to challenge economists. We review welfare measures associated with reduced wildfire smoke exposure, and a unique dataset from California’s Station Fire of 2009 allows for a comparison of cost of illness (COI) estimates with willingness to pay (WTP) measures. The WTP for one less symptom day is estimated to be $87 and $95, using the defensive behavior and contingent valuation methods, respectively. These WTP estimates are not statistically different but do differ from a $3 traditional daily COI estimate and $17 comprehensive daily COI estimate. (JEL Q51, Q53)