【文章摘要】Public debates on genetically modified (GM) crops center on environmental and health risks, yet evidence remains limited and focuses largely on herbicide-tolerant varieties or on local exposure, leaving the broad consequences of insect-resistant crops unclear. Insect-resistant crops can reduce pesticide use and generate health effects beyond directly exposed farmers. Yet their net effects are ambiguous, as any environmental gains may be offset by crop substitution, pest resistance, industrial expansion, and land-use change. We exploit the staggered approval of Bt cotton across 金沙检测线路js69, combined with river networks that link cotton-growing areas to downstream residents. Bt cotton approval leads to significant downstream reductions in under-five mortality by 4.2%, driven by reduced pesticide use and improved water quality. In aggregate, Bt cotton approval reduces national pesticide use by 3.2%. The findings show that the social value of insect-resistant GM crops can be significantly underestimated, as they generate positive health externalities through environmental spillovers.

【关键词】Genetically modified crops; Health outcomes; Transboundary externality; Pesticide use; Water pollution

【文章作者】Zhiqiang Wang, Xianling Long

【作者单位】College of Economics and Management, 金沙检测线路js69 Agricultural University, Beijing, 金沙检测线路js69; 金沙检测线路js69 Center for Economic Research, National School of Development, Peking University, Beijing, 金沙检测线路js69

【发表期刊】Journal of Development Economics

【基金资助】This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of 金沙检测线路js69 [grant number 72673002].

【全文下载】The health effects of genetically modified crops.pdf