The Impact of Mining-Induced Earthquakes on Mental Health: Evidence from the Dutch Lifelines Cohort Study and Biobank

A large body of literature demonstrates that exposure to major adverse events such as natural
disasters affects physical and mental health. Less is known about health consequences of longterm exposure to smaller, recurring shocks such as mining-induced earthquakes. Leveraging data
from the Dutch Lifelines Cohort Study and Biobank and the Royal Netherlands Meteorological
Institute, we examine mental health effects of frequent earthquakes generated by the extraction
of natural gas, which was a major source of economic revenue for the Netherlands. Long-term
exposure is captured by the accumulated peak ground acceleration. We employ individual-level
fixed effects models to deal with selective exposure. We find that exposure increases depression
and anxiety symptoms. Our results are robust to selective migration and to varying the exposure
indicator. The results support a reassessment of the societal costs of the mining of natural gas.