The impact of ambient PM2.5 air pollution on student performance: Evidence from finnish matriculation examinations

We examine the impact of fine particulate matter pollution on upper secondary school matriculation exams in Finland. Considering the subject-specific abilities of exam takers, we observe that fine particulate matter exposure influences performance in mathematical but not in verbal subjects. •Ambient PM2.5 air pollution deteriorates student performance in Finland.•We employ individual fixed effect model to provide empirical evidence.•The impact of PM2.5 is detrimental to mathematical subjects, with no effect on verbal subjects.