Valuing morbidity from wildfire smoke exposure: a comparison of revealed and stated preference techniques

Leslie Richardson; John B. Loomis; Patricia A. Champ

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USGS · 70118043

Valuing morbidity from wildfire smoke exposure: a comparison of revealed and stated preference techniques

Leslie Richardson·John B. Loomis·Patricia A. Champ

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Abstract

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.

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BibTeX RIS

Leslie Richardson, John B. Loomis, Patricia A. Champ. 2013. Valuing morbidity from wildfire smoke exposure: a comparison of revealed and stated preference techniques. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70118043

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