by LA Richardson, PA Champ, JB Loomis

Journal of Forest Economics 18:14-35

2012

When damages from wildfires are monetized, suppression costs and property damages are usually the primary considerations, but there is concern that these represent only a small portion of the actual economic damage. Previous studies have considered health aspects using two economic valuation methods: cost of illness and damage function. This study considers and monetizes the human health aspects of wildfire smoke exposure using the defensive behavior method. Using this approach, a willingness-to-pay value of $84.42 per exposed person per day was found.

Publication Type: Journal article
Keywords: air quality, economics, human health and well-being, Los Angeles, and wildfire