The Hidden Tolls of Pollution: An Analysis of the Effectiveness of The Hudson River Dredging on Cancer Incidents and Child Health in Affected New York Counties

Abstract

Hazardous chemical releases are prevalent across the United States, with the Hudson River being one of the biggest victims. What once used to be a national treasure was overtaken by toxins, specifically polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), stealing its beauty. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined forces with various regulatory organizations such as the Riverkeepers to restore the boundless life that once existed in and around the Hudson River. After years of court battles and legal efforts, the EPA prohibited the disposal of PCBs into the Hudson River and held the largest culprit responsible for their damage. They mandated a dredging project in which General Electric, the leading polluter of PCBs, was held financially accountable. This study uses county-level and Metropolitan Statistical Area-level data to understand the effect of the dredging on health outcomes in the surrounding areas. I measure health with birth weight outcomes and cancer rates and employ a Difference-in-Difference model to estimate the effects. Overall, I find that after the dredging in 2009, there was a significant decrease in both cancer rates along with low birth weight outcomes. These results not only indicate that PCBs have a harmful impact on human health but also that long-term environmental remediation projects have the potential to be successful in creating safer and healthier environments.