Dynamic responses to smoking bans: Evidence from young adults in a developing country

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Author(s):	Steffens, Camila ; Pereda, Paula Carvalho Total Authors: 2
Document type:	Journal article
Source:	JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS; v. 174, p. 14-pg., 2025-01-21.
Abstract
Smoking bans have been widely implemented, despite mixed evidence on their effectiveness in reducing smoking prevalence. This paper provides novel insights into the dynamic impacts of smoking bans in the context of Brazil, a large developing country with 18.4 million regular smokers in 2013. Our estimation strategy exploits the staggered implementation of comprehensive smoking bans in Brazilian state capitals using an event-study framework. We also leverage the variation in policy enforcement across cities. Our results indicate that bans reduced smoking prevalence by 18% among young adults, particularly when rigorously enforced. This effect is primarily driven by smoking cessation, while the impact on initiation is relatively modest. This policy change prevented roughly USD 87 million in healthcare costs in the treated cities. (AU)

FAPESP's process:	16/18683-5 - Cigarette demand behavior: effects of smoking bans in Brazil
Grantee:	Camila Steffens
Support Opportunities:	Scholarships in Brazil - Master


FAPESP's process:	14/50848-9 - INCT 2014: INCT for Climate Change
Grantee:	Jose Antonio Marengo Orsini
Support Opportunities:	Research Program on Global Climate Change - Thematic Grants