Value of a Statistical Life
Calculations of the value of a statistical life (VSL) are used to monetize risk reductions from environmental, health, and safety policies. RFF research has contributed to efforts to improve VSL estimation in developed and developing country settings, as well as address such issues as whether VSL estimates should be adjusted by age.
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Common Resources — Sep 21, 2023
Rethinking the Value of a Statistical Life
The value of statistical life is a number that informs analyses of the benefits and costs of regulations. But the number that the US Environmental Protection Agency currently uses needs attention: it hasn’t been updated since 1997.
Working Paper — Jul 19, 2023
Revisiting the Environmental Protection Agency's Value of a Statistical Life
This working paper summarizes advances in mortality risk evaluation literature since the US Environmental Protection Agency initially estimated the value of a statistical life.
Explainer — Apr 22, 2021
Value of Science 103: Categorizing the Socioeconomic Benefits of Scientific Information, Part 1
Value of Science 103: Categorizing the Socioeconomic Benefits of Scientific Information, Part 1
Media Highlight — May 23, 2020
"The government has spent decades studying what a life is worth. It hasn’t made a difference in the covid-19 crisis."
"The government has spent decades studying what a life is worth. It hasn’t made a difference in the covid-19 crisis."
Working Paper — Jul 19, 2023
Revisiting the Environmental Protection Agency's Value of a Statistical Life
This working paper summarizes advances in mortality risk evaluation literature since the US Environmental Protection Agency initially estimated the value of a statistical life.
Explainer — Apr 22, 2021
Value of Science 103: Categorizing the Socioeconomic Benefits of Scientific Information, Part 1
Value of Science 103: Categorizing the Socioeconomic Benefits of Scientific Information, Part 1
Working Paper — Apr 26, 2018
What’s in a Name? A Systematic Search for Alternatives to “Value of Statistical Life”
What’s in a Name? A Systematic Search for Alternatives to “Value of Statistical Life”
Working Paper — Sep 11, 2014
How Should the World Bank Estimate Air Pollution Damages?
How Should the World Bank Estimate Air Pollution Damages?
Common Resources — Sep 21, 2023
Rethinking the Value of a Statistical Life
The value of statistical life is a number that informs analyses of the benefits and costs of regulations. But the number that the US Environmental Protection Agency currently uses needs attention: it hasn’t been updated since 1997.
Common Resources — Apr 10, 2020
Can Economics Tell Us When It’s Safe to Return to Life as We Knew It?
Debate continues over when we can safely end the current quarantine and return to business-as-usual in the US economy. Economists think the value of a statistical life could provide clarity.
Resources Radio — Apr 7, 2020
The Value of a Statistical Life and Coronavirus, with Alan Krupnick
Alan Krupnick outlines what the “VSL” means, the valid caution surrounding the concept, and if it has any usefulness during the coronavirus pandemic.
Common Resources — Jan 28, 2010
The Hidden Costs of Producing and Consuming Energy
Fuel combustion in the transport and power sectors produces a variety of hidden costs, or externalities, mainly from local pollution and greenhouse...
Media Highlight — May 23, 2020
"The government has spent decades studying what a life is worth. It hasn’t made a difference in the covid-19 crisis."
"The government has spent decades studying what a life is worth. It hasn’t made a difference in the covid-19 crisis."
Press Release — Apr 7, 2020
New Episode of Resources Radio: The Value of a Statistical Life and Coronavirus, with Alan Krupnick
Alan Krupnick outlines what the “VSL” means, the valid caution surrounding the concept, and if it has any usefulness during the coronavirus pandemic.