Author(s)

T. Thewys & F. Clauw

Abstract

Are people willing to pay to avoid health risks arising from land contamination? Evidence from housing values in 'I'. Thewys & F. Clauw Deportment of Economic\ and Luw. Cerwe for E~zvwonnzentcrl Studies, Limburg U n i ~ w ~ i t y Centre. Relgwn Abstract Soil pollution in residential areas coming from industrial activities can give rise to harmful health effects and extremely costly cleanup programs. In this paper. we try to establish a link between the monetized berlcfits of a potential soil reclamation program and the results of cpiden~iological research. From an economic point of view, we want to shift attention from cost-effectiveness principles of priority setting to a cost-benefit framework. We try to monetize the risks of potential health effects arising from a nearby pollution source by using a hedonic price model. We compare results available in the literature with a case study on the heavy metal contamination coming from a zinc smelter in Lomn~el- Overpelt (Belgium). A clear analogy i

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