Air Pollution during Religious Holidays: Evidence from Tomb-Sweeping Day

Religious holidays are associated with changes to usual routines and special religious practices that can worsen air pollution. Using the Hakka Tomb Sweeping Day in Taiwan as an illustration, we find that religious activities lower overall air quality by 10.8% and increase levels of specific pollutants by 9.8% - 18.6%. In contrast to previous studies suggesting elevated air pollution is due to the burning of incense, joss paper and fireworks, we identify greater motor vehicle use and a decrease in travel speed as primary mechanisms. Changes in traffic also lead to a 16% increase in injuries from motor vehicle accidents. In Hakka areas serviced by rail lines we find no increase in air pollution or injuries during Tomb Sweeping Day, highlighting the benefits of public transportation to accommodate holiday travel.