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This article examines the impact of sulphur dioxide (SO2) concentration on respiratory admissions in the north of France at municipal level from 2007 to 2011. The Flandres refinery closure in the north of France, in September 2009, is used as a natural experiment. First, this study shows that the halt in the refinery’s operations, followed by its closure in 2010, reduces SO2 concentration. We then use this exogeneous shock to analyse the health impact of the high SO2 concentration generated by energy production. Our estimates highlight that the reduction in SO2 concentration has significantly reduced the severity of respiratory outcomes. Additionally, the refinery closure has had statistically significant effects on the revenue of municipalities in the area.